T.L. Spencer's Blog, page 11
November 12, 2013
ReadWave... A Proper Conversation
Hi guys! Long time, no see...
I've just published a story with ReadWave so feel free to check it out!
Remember, I love feedback, so I'd love for you to leave a comment or contact me via email.
Here is the link:
http://www.readwave.com/a-proper-conversation-five-quick-tips-to-chit-chat-heaven_s16846
I hope you enjoy it. xxx
I've just published a story with ReadWave so feel free to check it out!
Remember, I love feedback, so I'd love for you to leave a comment or contact me via email.
Here is the link:
http://www.readwave.com/a-proper-conversation-five-quick-tips-to-chit-chat-heaven_s16846
I hope you enjoy it. xxx
September 23, 2013
Awesome
From the TL Spencer school of inspiration...
Remember: you aren't just awesome... you are MADE of awesome.
Remember: you aren't just awesome... you are MADE of awesome.
September 20, 2013
Demeter Giovanni...
From my novel, Blood Prophecy the Fated Three, Demeter Giovanni is the mother of Selene, the first enchantress. She has suffered heartache and loneliness throughout her life, and though she holds great power, it has been masked by the pain she feels...
Below is an extract from a short story I am working on (amidst all my other projects!) that involves the powerful angel Raphel and the troubled Deme Giovanni. So read on for an extra insight into the Blood Prophecy verse, not available anywhere else!
"I want you to judge a soul for me. The woman is still alive; this will not be too difficult for you I assume?” Raphael looked at Elijjah with a questioning gaze, but said no more, waiting for the angel’s reply.
“Of course I could do that. Who…?”
Raphael interrupted, “Demeter Giovanni, Selene’s mother.” Elijjah did not respond, merely closed his eyes and searched.
It did not take him long to find her soul, faded though it was. It burned brightly, a mass of colour and goodness radiated from it. Unfortunately, it was choked by negativity. With regret, he knew instantly that unless something was done immediately to assist this poor soul, she would not be permitted into heaven’s gates. Opening his eyes he slowly met into Raphael’s gaze. Power pulsated from him in waves and though an archangel himself, Elijjah shivered at the very thought of displeasing him, which made his next sentence very difficult to utter.
Fortunately, he didn’t have to. “There is no need to fear me, Elijjah. I asked the question and I was prepared for the answer, however disappointing it may be.”
“Thank you, Raphael.” He breathed a sigh of relief, “I will let you continue your quest.”
Raphael said nothing, merely dipped his head in silent respect and walked through the gates, opening his blue gold wings and flew gently and majestically down to Earth.
+++ Deme was miserable. Over the last eight months, she had completely ruined her life. She had done so before, getting removed from her position as lecturer at the local university and abusing her daughter before throwing her out of the house. The abominable actions were unforgivable and she hated herself for them. She had been this way for six years, ever since her beloved husband had disappeared, passed into the realms of the unknown. She sighed as a tear fell down her cheek and looked longingly at the empty bottle on the ground. Why did she do this to herself? She knew it was not healthy, but for some reason she couldn’t stop. The truth was that when her husband left, part of her went with him, destroyed beyond all repair.
Closing her eyes, Demeter placed an impenetrable wall around her heart and listened to the silence. Nothing stirred; trees were frozen in time as the wind died down around her. The bayou’s creatures beyond the walls of the back garden seemed to join her in her mourning, as they always did. The birds fluttered silently to the ground and filled her mind with temporary peace. Until she removed herself from the recliner, she felt no inclination to hunt for yet another bottle of debilitating liquid.
A bell rang in the distance, disturbing the quiet that the silence offered. She ignored it, wanting to wallow in her own self-pity for a few more hours. Again, the bell rang. What is it with people? Demeter thought miserably as she slowly sat up and stood from the chair. Why did people have to interrupt her? Sighing in defeat as she heard the front door bell toll for the third time in just as many minutes, she walked into the house towards the front door. The frosted glass panel gave her only a limited view of the person behind it.
Below is an extract from a short story I am working on (amidst all my other projects!) that involves the powerful angel Raphel and the troubled Deme Giovanni. So read on for an extra insight into the Blood Prophecy verse, not available anywhere else!
"I want you to judge a soul for me. The woman is still alive; this will not be too difficult for you I assume?” Raphael looked at Elijjah with a questioning gaze, but said no more, waiting for the angel’s reply.
“Of course I could do that. Who…?”
Raphael interrupted, “Demeter Giovanni, Selene’s mother.” Elijjah did not respond, merely closed his eyes and searched.
It did not take him long to find her soul, faded though it was. It burned brightly, a mass of colour and goodness radiated from it. Unfortunately, it was choked by negativity. With regret, he knew instantly that unless something was done immediately to assist this poor soul, she would not be permitted into heaven’s gates. Opening his eyes he slowly met into Raphael’s gaze. Power pulsated from him in waves and though an archangel himself, Elijjah shivered at the very thought of displeasing him, which made his next sentence very difficult to utter.
Fortunately, he didn’t have to. “There is no need to fear me, Elijjah. I asked the question and I was prepared for the answer, however disappointing it may be.”
“Thank you, Raphael.” He breathed a sigh of relief, “I will let you continue your quest.”
Raphael said nothing, merely dipped his head in silent respect and walked through the gates, opening his blue gold wings and flew gently and majestically down to Earth.
+++ Deme was miserable. Over the last eight months, she had completely ruined her life. She had done so before, getting removed from her position as lecturer at the local university and abusing her daughter before throwing her out of the house. The abominable actions were unforgivable and she hated herself for them. She had been this way for six years, ever since her beloved husband had disappeared, passed into the realms of the unknown. She sighed as a tear fell down her cheek and looked longingly at the empty bottle on the ground. Why did she do this to herself? She knew it was not healthy, but for some reason she couldn’t stop. The truth was that when her husband left, part of her went with him, destroyed beyond all repair.
Closing her eyes, Demeter placed an impenetrable wall around her heart and listened to the silence. Nothing stirred; trees were frozen in time as the wind died down around her. The bayou’s creatures beyond the walls of the back garden seemed to join her in her mourning, as they always did. The birds fluttered silently to the ground and filled her mind with temporary peace. Until she removed herself from the recliner, she felt no inclination to hunt for yet another bottle of debilitating liquid.
A bell rang in the distance, disturbing the quiet that the silence offered. She ignored it, wanting to wallow in her own self-pity for a few more hours. Again, the bell rang. What is it with people? Demeter thought miserably as she slowly sat up and stood from the chair. Why did people have to interrupt her? Sighing in defeat as she heard the front door bell toll for the third time in just as many minutes, she walked into the house towards the front door. The frosted glass panel gave her only a limited view of the person behind it.
August 20, 2013
Jack the Giant Slayer
Okay, I've found a new film that everyone should become addicted to!
When this film was first released in the cinema, I was gutted when I didn't have time to go and see it. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait! A retelling of the folk-tale Jack and the Bean Stalk, this movie starts off with a very dramatic opening sequence; a five minute bed time story on the ominous and gory history of how a gfreat king of Albion and the magic meddling monks defeated the evil giants that climbed down from a magic stalk: 'Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, ask not whence the thunder comes,. Ask not where the heards have gone or why the birds have ceased their song... for monsters roam in Albion.' Talk about an exciting and refreshing way to revamp an old folk-tale. This film really had everything for a family get together: action, adventure, danger, comedy, romance, magic, suspense, good vs evil... I could go on all day! Obviously, to all those who know the tale, the story is a bit predictable; we all know - regardless of twists - that Jack will get the beans and a stalk will grow, a princess will be involved and giant madness shall ensue. We also know that there's a happy ending; folk-tales always have a happy ending (the child friendly ones do anyway!). And to those who have complained about it... well it's Jack! It's a folk-tale; it isn't going to have the depth and meaning of the Count of Monte Cristo, is it? Personally, I love this film. From start to finish it delivered everything and more that you could possibly ask for in a family film. And the cat was awesome!
When this film was first released in the cinema, I was gutted when I didn't have time to go and see it. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait! A retelling of the folk-tale Jack and the Bean Stalk, this movie starts off with a very dramatic opening sequence; a five minute bed time story on the ominous and gory history of how a gfreat king of Albion and the magic meddling monks defeated the evil giants that climbed down from a magic stalk: 'Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, ask not whence the thunder comes,. Ask not where the heards have gone or why the birds have ceased their song... for monsters roam in Albion.' Talk about an exciting and refreshing way to revamp an old folk-tale. This film really had everything for a family get together: action, adventure, danger, comedy, romance, magic, suspense, good vs evil... I could go on all day! Obviously, to all those who know the tale, the story is a bit predictable; we all know - regardless of twists - that Jack will get the beans and a stalk will grow, a princess will be involved and giant madness shall ensue. We also know that there's a happy ending; folk-tales always have a happy ending (the child friendly ones do anyway!). And to those who have complained about it... well it's Jack! It's a folk-tale; it isn't going to have the depth and meaning of the Count of Monte Cristo, is it? Personally, I love this film. From start to finish it delivered everything and more that you could possibly ask for in a family film. And the cat was awesome!
The Austen Post
I return as promised!
Back in July when I challenged myself to conquer the novels (well, the six of them that I owned) of Jane Austen, I decided that writing a review of each would be a great idea. And when I discovered that Jane herself would be placed on one of our lovely British bank notes, I thought it would be deemed a sort of celebration.
So, to get the book pages turning, I thought I'd start - obviously - with one of today's most popular romances. This novel, it can be argued is the forerunner of all contemporary romances and has produced some awesome films, an epic televison sereis (Colin Firth - yay!) and so many laughs and one-liners that it simply had to go first. I'm speaking, of course, about Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife." The story of the five Bennet sisters and the unfolding love stories between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth, Mr Bingley and Jane, and the disaster of Wickham and Lydia has captured many a reader over the years. The romantic and witty contents has often provoked many controversial theories (some may say outrageous) about the text's contents - I urge you to take a peek at any of the literary guides... I won't spoil the surprise!
I love this book, outrageous theories or not; P&P was one of the first classical novels I picked up as a youngster. The story is charming and flows magnificently from one scene to the next, while the characters are well defined and humourous.
Elizabeth is a strong protagonist, her agency quite unique in a period where most young women were to be seen and not heard, always asking permission before doing anything new. She is a modern woman for her time and not afraid to speak her mind. This contrasts greatly with her elder sister, Jane, who is quiet and unassumingly gentle.The male characters, Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley are also interesting (let's not forget Collins and Wickham!).
Overall, with its sweet romantic story and witty dialogue, P&P is a quintessential romance told within the genteel rural society of the period. It is a fun and happy tale, and one that even the most grumpy being couldn't fail to enjoy!
4.5 Stars
Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen's first published novel, S&S, tells the story of the elder Dashwood sisters, reliable and reasonable Elinor and her impulsive and somewhat emotional sister Marianne. After their father's death, they, along with their mother and and younger sister, must leave their family estate (Norwood); the property has been left to their half brother John due to a tricky entail. However, before the girls leave, John and his wife arrive with the Edward Ferrars, with whom Elinor develops a close relationship.
With only a small income left to them, the Dashwood girls move to Devonshire and into a small cottage, owned by a distant cousin. There, they are acquainted with the brave and gentlemanly Colonel Brandon and utterly charming Willoughby - among others. The sisters must navigate themselves through the social world, their hearts baring many woes before they can find true love.
The title really does sum up the novel, and though it took me a little longer to read due to the language difference, I enjoyed it immensely. Jne Austent really did like her strong and fiery characters didn't she. And not just that, she loved her scandal. This novel introduced some elements that would have been viewed as shocking to 19th century society. Women having children out of wedlock? Wow. That would have rasied some eyebrows, I imagine.
And I simply adore C.Brandon. Not just because of who played him in my favourite adaptation (Alan Rickman) but because he is a man of honour and remains so throughout the novel - and let's face it, when you discocer who Willougby really is, remaining honourable would be quite a difficult task.
Though the book was a bit long winded at times, I think it was light hearted and a wonderful sort of comedy of errors.
4.5 Stars
Mansfield Park
Fanny Price, one of many children, is offered a place to live by her rich relatives; sent to their home, Lord and Lady Bertram wish to see that she is properly raised. But Fanny's childhood is a miserable and lonely one, estramged from her siblings and treating cruelly by her female cousins. Only Edmund is kind to her, and they bond over the years. But when her cousins befriend two glamourous new people who have just arrived in the are, Henry and Mary Crawfore, things begin to change. While Fanny used to be treated as though she were a lower being by everyone but Edmund, Edmund's fondness for Mary begins to alter their friendship and Fanny finds herself dealing with emotions she has never experienced before.
This is officially my favourite Jane Austen novel. It had me glued to my Kindle Fire - and even occasionally shouting at it - willing the characters on in their exploits.
While the characters are well defined and the story is superb, the reaon it is my favourite is because you really feel for Fanny. When Edmund leaves her, breaks his promises, when he says things that are hurtful - as a reader you feel her pain and therefore absolutely loathe Mary (who is a moo anyway). Plus, with this novel, we get to see into the male mind, which I find quite interesting and more like the novels of today.
This is a 5 star xxxxx
Emma
Emma is a wealthy unmarried young lady who has nothing better to do than make matches for those around her, much to the displeasure of her nervouse father and handsome Mr Knightley. But when the young Frank Churchill arrives in town, and her latest attempt at match-making goes awry, things begin to go wrong.
A satire on the upper classes, Emma is a quite a peculiar romance, as not many people - myself included - particularly like the protagonist. Nevertheless the novel is amusing and the writing itself is bouncy - by that I mean I like the pacing...
Knightley is my favourite male protagonist of the Austen men, I have to say. I have no idea why. He is not as handsome as Darcy, or as honourable as Brand on - but there is a shine to his character that I love. His seeming lack of words I fing utterly charming, the line, 'If I loved you less, I could talk about it more,' really pulling at the heartstrings.
Fun and entertaining!
4 Stars
Persuasion
Anne Elliot accepted the proposal of Captain Wentworth then was persuaded by her family - who scorned the match, as it was deemed unsuitable - to end the engagement. Years later, Wentworth returns to the neighbourhood quite determined to marry anyone but Anne, an Anne is left to wonder whether she is at all suitable for marriage.
Unlike Austen's usual novels, the protagonist of this book is not a fiery and spirited, well-eductaed young woman, but a quiet and sensible lady who considers herself well past the prospect of marriage; the gentleman is not a man in ownership of a great estate and even shows frailty and spite on several occasions. It is an interesting novel, to be sure, though not my favourite.
I enjoyed the story and the character development, but the lack of tension within the novel was something of a frustration. And while I found the lack of verbal duels an intriguing aspect to this novel as it differed from the others, it seemed to slow the pace down considerably. Overall, I believe that this story is a must read for an Austen fan, but not for a reader who is a novice in the romance department.
3.5 Stars
Northanger Abbey
Where do I start with this one?
Catherine Morland, a young and imaginative young girl who is bored of country life - and rather enjoys a gothic - is given the opportunity to try the society life of Bath. There she meets many dashing young men, including Henry, who she pictures as her Byronic hero or prince in disguise. This is further enhanced when she is invited by his father General Tilney, to the family hom Northanger Abbey.
And then the problems begin. As love begins to bloom, problems begin to sprout. The General believes Catherine to be an heiress, which she is not... Catherines wealth, or lack of is a problem, a point of shame for teh General and she is cast from the Abbey, sent back to her quiet life in the country. Does she wait for Henry? Or does Henry only love her as a sister?
This was my least favourite of the Austen novels... because hardly anything happened. The character developed was a little lacking in vavavoom and though the story itself was rather charming, I found the Gothic satire thing a bit pointless. It didn't have even a remote sense of Gothic to me.
On saying that, I liked the idea of the female protagonist being naive and unaffected. It's something you don't see everyday - certainly not now - and probably wouldn't have been seen often during the period it was wriiten either, certainly not in high society, where a woman's goal was to find a rich or suitable husband.
Overall, I was quite disappointed but glad I made the effort to read it.
3 Stars.
So, there they are! I hoped you enjoyed them!
Back in July when I challenged myself to conquer the novels (well, the six of them that I owned) of Jane Austen, I decided that writing a review of each would be a great idea. And when I discovered that Jane herself would be placed on one of our lovely British bank notes, I thought it would be deemed a sort of celebration.
So, to get the book pages turning, I thought I'd start - obviously - with one of today's most popular romances. This novel, it can be argued is the forerunner of all contemporary romances and has produced some awesome films, an epic televison sereis (Colin Firth - yay!) and so many laughs and one-liners that it simply had to go first. I'm speaking, of course, about Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife." The story of the five Bennet sisters and the unfolding love stories between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth, Mr Bingley and Jane, and the disaster of Wickham and Lydia has captured many a reader over the years. The romantic and witty contents has often provoked many controversial theories (some may say outrageous) about the text's contents - I urge you to take a peek at any of the literary guides... I won't spoil the surprise!
I love this book, outrageous theories or not; P&P was one of the first classical novels I picked up as a youngster. The story is charming and flows magnificently from one scene to the next, while the characters are well defined and humourous.
Elizabeth is a strong protagonist, her agency quite unique in a period where most young women were to be seen and not heard, always asking permission before doing anything new. She is a modern woman for her time and not afraid to speak her mind. This contrasts greatly with her elder sister, Jane, who is quiet and unassumingly gentle.The male characters, Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley are also interesting (let's not forget Collins and Wickham!).
Overall, with its sweet romantic story and witty dialogue, P&P is a quintessential romance told within the genteel rural society of the period. It is a fun and happy tale, and one that even the most grumpy being couldn't fail to enjoy!
4.5 Stars
Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen's first published novel, S&S, tells the story of the elder Dashwood sisters, reliable and reasonable Elinor and her impulsive and somewhat emotional sister Marianne. After their father's death, they, along with their mother and and younger sister, must leave their family estate (Norwood); the property has been left to their half brother John due to a tricky entail. However, before the girls leave, John and his wife arrive with the Edward Ferrars, with whom Elinor develops a close relationship.
With only a small income left to them, the Dashwood girls move to Devonshire and into a small cottage, owned by a distant cousin. There, they are acquainted with the brave and gentlemanly Colonel Brandon and utterly charming Willoughby - among others. The sisters must navigate themselves through the social world, their hearts baring many woes before they can find true love.
The title really does sum up the novel, and though it took me a little longer to read due to the language difference, I enjoyed it immensely. Jne Austent really did like her strong and fiery characters didn't she. And not just that, she loved her scandal. This novel introduced some elements that would have been viewed as shocking to 19th century society. Women having children out of wedlock? Wow. That would have rasied some eyebrows, I imagine.
And I simply adore C.Brandon. Not just because of who played him in my favourite adaptation (Alan Rickman) but because he is a man of honour and remains so throughout the novel - and let's face it, when you discocer who Willougby really is, remaining honourable would be quite a difficult task.
Though the book was a bit long winded at times, I think it was light hearted and a wonderful sort of comedy of errors.
4.5 Stars
Mansfield Park
Fanny Price, one of many children, is offered a place to live by her rich relatives; sent to their home, Lord and Lady Bertram wish to see that she is properly raised. But Fanny's childhood is a miserable and lonely one, estramged from her siblings and treating cruelly by her female cousins. Only Edmund is kind to her, and they bond over the years. But when her cousins befriend two glamourous new people who have just arrived in the are, Henry and Mary Crawfore, things begin to change. While Fanny used to be treated as though she were a lower being by everyone but Edmund, Edmund's fondness for Mary begins to alter their friendship and Fanny finds herself dealing with emotions she has never experienced before.
This is officially my favourite Jane Austen novel. It had me glued to my Kindle Fire - and even occasionally shouting at it - willing the characters on in their exploits.
While the characters are well defined and the story is superb, the reaon it is my favourite is because you really feel for Fanny. When Edmund leaves her, breaks his promises, when he says things that are hurtful - as a reader you feel her pain and therefore absolutely loathe Mary (who is a moo anyway). Plus, with this novel, we get to see into the male mind, which I find quite interesting and more like the novels of today.
This is a 5 star xxxxx
Emma
Emma is a wealthy unmarried young lady who has nothing better to do than make matches for those around her, much to the displeasure of her nervouse father and handsome Mr Knightley. But when the young Frank Churchill arrives in town, and her latest attempt at match-making goes awry, things begin to go wrong.
A satire on the upper classes, Emma is a quite a peculiar romance, as not many people - myself included - particularly like the protagonist. Nevertheless the novel is amusing and the writing itself is bouncy - by that I mean I like the pacing...
Knightley is my favourite male protagonist of the Austen men, I have to say. I have no idea why. He is not as handsome as Darcy, or as honourable as Brand on - but there is a shine to his character that I love. His seeming lack of words I fing utterly charming, the line, 'If I loved you less, I could talk about it more,' really pulling at the heartstrings.
Fun and entertaining!
4 Stars
Persuasion
Anne Elliot accepted the proposal of Captain Wentworth then was persuaded by her family - who scorned the match, as it was deemed unsuitable - to end the engagement. Years later, Wentworth returns to the neighbourhood quite determined to marry anyone but Anne, an Anne is left to wonder whether she is at all suitable for marriage.
Unlike Austen's usual novels, the protagonist of this book is not a fiery and spirited, well-eductaed young woman, but a quiet and sensible lady who considers herself well past the prospect of marriage; the gentleman is not a man in ownership of a great estate and even shows frailty and spite on several occasions. It is an interesting novel, to be sure, though not my favourite.
I enjoyed the story and the character development, but the lack of tension within the novel was something of a frustration. And while I found the lack of verbal duels an intriguing aspect to this novel as it differed from the others, it seemed to slow the pace down considerably. Overall, I believe that this story is a must read for an Austen fan, but not for a reader who is a novice in the romance department.
3.5 Stars
Northanger Abbey
Where do I start with this one?
Catherine Morland, a young and imaginative young girl who is bored of country life - and rather enjoys a gothic - is given the opportunity to try the society life of Bath. There she meets many dashing young men, including Henry, who she pictures as her Byronic hero or prince in disguise. This is further enhanced when she is invited by his father General Tilney, to the family hom Northanger Abbey.
And then the problems begin. As love begins to bloom, problems begin to sprout. The General believes Catherine to be an heiress, which she is not... Catherines wealth, or lack of is a problem, a point of shame for teh General and she is cast from the Abbey, sent back to her quiet life in the country. Does she wait for Henry? Or does Henry only love her as a sister?
This was my least favourite of the Austen novels... because hardly anything happened. The character developed was a little lacking in vavavoom and though the story itself was rather charming, I found the Gothic satire thing a bit pointless. It didn't have even a remote sense of Gothic to me.
On saying that, I liked the idea of the female protagonist being naive and unaffected. It's something you don't see everyday - certainly not now - and probably wouldn't have been seen often during the period it was wriiten either, certainly not in high society, where a woman's goal was to find a rich or suitable husband.
Overall, I was quite disappointed but glad I made the effort to read it.
3 Stars.
So, there they are! I hoped you enjoyed them!
Ahoy!
Apologies blog spotters! I have been neglecting my writing duties of late...
Here is a little pic to keep you going and I promise you there are reviews aplenty on the way!
Here is a little pic to keep you going and I promise you there are reviews aplenty on the way!
July 22, 2013
The Austen Novels
Wow!I have done it! I've taken the time (two days) and read six Jane Austen masterpieces. And I have to say that they were thoroughly enjoyable- perhaps some of the best novels I have ever read!I'll be posting a few reviews later on, so stay tuned, watch this space, keep reading and wait and see!Pride and Prejudice xSense and Sensibility xEmma xMansfield Park xPersuasion xNorthanger Abbey x
;)
And remember what Jane Austen said about gentlemen and ladies who don't take delight in good novels!
Who wants to be intolerably stupid? Not me xxx
Sees y'll later!
;)
And remember what Jane Austen said about gentlemen and ladies who don't take delight in good novels!
Who wants to be intolerably stupid? Not me xxx
Sees y'll later!
July 10, 2013
The Blair Witch Files
It's not over... The Blair Witch lives!I am off to read the books! Have faith everyone, and a pillow to hide behind!
July 6, 2013
Why I'm a Castle lover!
Any character who has respect for grammar gets points from me!
June 26, 2013
Criminal Minds: Suspect Behaviour
Now, I'm not usually one for sitting and watching tons of TV, but this one had me interested.
Aired originally in 2010 and cancelled after its first season, CMSB was made as a sort of spin-off from the very popular crime drama Criminal Minds - which, by the way, I have never seen. Anyway, bored and a little wired from typing, I decided to sit back and find something to watch and came across (on Love Film) the above psychological/thriller/suspense crime show.
And once I started watching it, I couldn't seem to stop.
If any of you are familiar with these police procedural dramas, they all have the same kind of M.O. There's a murder, a team is called in, the investigation starts and eventually - after one or two bumps in the road - the culprit is caught. CMSB is much the same, but with a few interesting additions.
The entire team is what the FBI call a RED CELL - a special response unit within the behavioural analysis unit that answers only to the Director of the FBI, using varied psychological approaches to get into the minds of the killers (or kidnappers, depending on the episode). It's all rather intriguing, if disturbing.
A particularly strong element to this series, I believe, are the characters and how they are introduced. First off, we have Samuel Cooper, the leader of the team and the man who does the main profiling; he's the one who really gets inside the culprits' heads (creepy). Then we have Beth, the feisty and determined woman who has been 'removed' from several units because of her 'forceful' opinions. Next is Prophet; this agent has a seriously dark past, some of it spent behind bars... Gina is an attractive blonde with a keen intelligence and family issues while Mick is the ex-sniper.
Unlike some shows, this programme has a sense of mystery regarding the character backgrounds and personalities; we don't know everything and all about them straight away. Their identities, much like that in real life, are shown to us over a period of time. The great thing about this is that it allows you, the audience to get attached to the characters in question, especially when they're put into life threatening or emotionally challenging situations. It's much more realistic: no one would dish out all their secrets to a relative stranger.
But it isn't just the characters, it's the stories - the episodes themselves - that I found interesting. Each one was unique, having different motives and requiring alternatives methods of attack. Furthermore, each episode seemed to require every team member to use a skill set, further enhancing relationship dynamics and character development. My particular favourite was 'One Shot Kill'. Action packed and full of psychological stuff, with a lot of character comparisons; plus, it was also kind of creepy.
My only real complaint about this series was how it ended. It ended on a cliff hanger. Now, I don't mind episodes starting with cliff hangers and then having those 'three days earlier' flashbacks... They are fine. But when a show is about to end, a cliff hanger never sits well; the entire point of a story is to have some sort of closure.
So aside from the one ickle nag about the last episode, I say, if you like peering inside people's brains (though not literally, I hope), take a gander at this. It's fast paced, well written and the line delivery is superb; the 'villains' in particular are fabulous.
Enjoy xxx
Aired originally in 2010 and cancelled after its first season, CMSB was made as a sort of spin-off from the very popular crime drama Criminal Minds - which, by the way, I have never seen. Anyway, bored and a little wired from typing, I decided to sit back and find something to watch and came across (on Love Film) the above psychological/thriller/suspense crime show.
And once I started watching it, I couldn't seem to stop.
If any of you are familiar with these police procedural dramas, they all have the same kind of M.O. There's a murder, a team is called in, the investigation starts and eventually - after one or two bumps in the road - the culprit is caught. CMSB is much the same, but with a few interesting additions.
The entire team is what the FBI call a RED CELL - a special response unit within the behavioural analysis unit that answers only to the Director of the FBI, using varied psychological approaches to get into the minds of the killers (or kidnappers, depending on the episode). It's all rather intriguing, if disturbing.
A particularly strong element to this series, I believe, are the characters and how they are introduced. First off, we have Samuel Cooper, the leader of the team and the man who does the main profiling; he's the one who really gets inside the culprits' heads (creepy). Then we have Beth, the feisty and determined woman who has been 'removed' from several units because of her 'forceful' opinions. Next is Prophet; this agent has a seriously dark past, some of it spent behind bars... Gina is an attractive blonde with a keen intelligence and family issues while Mick is the ex-sniper.
Unlike some shows, this programme has a sense of mystery regarding the character backgrounds and personalities; we don't know everything and all about them straight away. Their identities, much like that in real life, are shown to us over a period of time. The great thing about this is that it allows you, the audience to get attached to the characters in question, especially when they're put into life threatening or emotionally challenging situations. It's much more realistic: no one would dish out all their secrets to a relative stranger.
But it isn't just the characters, it's the stories - the episodes themselves - that I found interesting. Each one was unique, having different motives and requiring alternatives methods of attack. Furthermore, each episode seemed to require every team member to use a skill set, further enhancing relationship dynamics and character development. My particular favourite was 'One Shot Kill'. Action packed and full of psychological stuff, with a lot of character comparisons; plus, it was also kind of creepy.
My only real complaint about this series was how it ended. It ended on a cliff hanger. Now, I don't mind episodes starting with cliff hangers and then having those 'three days earlier' flashbacks... They are fine. But when a show is about to end, a cliff hanger never sits well; the entire point of a story is to have some sort of closure.
So aside from the one ickle nag about the last episode, I say, if you like peering inside people's brains (though not literally, I hope), take a gander at this. It's fast paced, well written and the line delivery is superb; the 'villains' in particular are fabulous.
Enjoy xxx
