Tyler Compton's Blog

Exploring LA: Watts Towers

One of the things I figure I should be blogging about along with where some inspirational ideas to my writing come from is also some of the local places that have helped inspire my writings as well. One of those is the Watts Towers. I’ve known about them almost since I first moved to LA fifteen years ago and have wanted to visit them just as long. It was only just this last month that I finally did. The Watts Towers, or the Towers of Simon Rodia as they are also known as, are a collection of

seventeen sculpted structures within the Watts community built by Italian immigrant Sabato Rodia. It took him over 33 years to build the towers (and the neighboring walls) which is now a National Historic Landmark. The Watts Towers have been mentioned in everything from movies & TV shows to songs and books as well. The Towers have an interesting, if not somewhat colorful, history, which can be researched on Wikipedia, the Towers own website (wattstowers.org) or even explored when visiting the towers themselves. Do note there are specific hours that one can visit the Towers, if they wish to go inside and walk amongst them, but even if it is afterhours you can still go and visit and walk around the perimeter of them as well.

Next (New) Book

So I have decided to say thanks for all the birthday wishes today by giving a present back to the fans. My next novel, Book #4, will be out this fall (most likely the end of October as of now). It’s not the next Detective Parks novel (though I am working away on that one and you should expect it summer/fall 2018). Instead it is the first book in a new YA mystery series. It’s called The Fast Out and I think you’ll all enjoy it. I’ll post more about it in the coming weeks. The attached image is just a teaser but expect a full synopsis (back cover blurb) in the middle of August and the full cover probably in September. As usual, thanks for all the support and keep looking here for more info.

Riverdale Review – Chapters 4 & 5

Chapter 4 – The Last Picture Show

In this chapter we finally get some more background on Jughead, some of his passions and what exactly is his story. And now Betty and Veronica both know about Archie and Miss Grundy’s relationship and good for them for trying to knock some sense into Archie. Good for Betty for doing some actual investigative work, even if it did involve a little breaking and entering. Plus, we get the introduction of the Southside Serpents and their connection with one of the main foursome.

“Cheryl, I went to school with your mother. She didn’t know the difference between having money and having class, either.” Dish it Hermione. Girl can stand up for herself. Cheers to her.

Betty interviewing Miss Grundy. Way to be a reporter and go for the tough questions. Even if Miss Grundy didn’t really fall for any of the questionable questions.

Did anyone not see Alice Cooper finding Betty’s journal and reading it? Although, personally, I feel that perhaps Betty knew this was a possibility and perhaps left it out on purpose so an actual adult could do something about the situation? And another thing, it’s good to see a teen-oriented show where the adults really are around and have just as much to do with their own lives as this doesn’t always happen in teen shows. But again, as the creators have started, this is Riverdale and not Archie and Co.

Concerning the scene where the parents confront Miss Grundy, Alice Cooper being the high-strung bitch in heels that she is finally paid off as she went into a protective mother-mode and all things considering, I think everyone got off fairly easy. Though I give props to Betty for standing up to her mother and forcing her to back down a little.

YAY for Sheriff Keller’s True Detective murder board. And RIP for it in the same episode.

Veronica finally learns about her mother’s connection with the Serpents and gets a little more information about her father and his dealings.

Liked Archie having to deal with the ending of his relationship with Miss Grundy, he handled it fairly adult-like and I’m really glad that he didn’t hold a grudge against Betty for the next handful of episodes before they would have inevitably repaired their friendship.

And in that closing montage . . . maybe it was all for the best that Archie is free of the predatory Miss Grundy. Although she would have been slightly more interesting had she actually been a full-blown predator as opposed to an innocent who simply fell for an underage boy.

And in the final shot . . . Jughead’s dad! (as if we didn’t already know or see that one coming). But it was good to get the information about Jughead’s family/background starting to unfold.

Riverdale — “Chapter Four: The Last Picture Show” — Image Number: RVD104a _0419.jpg — Pictured: Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones — Photo: Dean Buscher /The CW — © 2017 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved

Chapter 5 – Heart of Darkness

In this episode the Blossoms prepare for Jason’s funeral while Betty ups her search into Jason’s murder and Archie considers his future in football and/or music.

Let’s start with that very Dark Shadows/Tim Burtony/Gothic romance opening.  Every time I see the Blossom’s estat, Thorn Hill, it gets me hungry for a better Dark Shadows reboot than that last film and TV show we got. Oh, come on, we all know it’s coming one day, and if done right, I can’t wait! After Cheryl is awoken from a very well done (makeup wise) dead-looking Jason she is confronted by her mother, dressed up in her very best black widow (with the red hourglass and all) nighty. Anyone else catch that?

Next we have Archie, shirtless—because the CW knows their audience—in a scene and subplot that really doesn’t belong on this show, at least this season. Really, now? Are we supposed to believe that a SOPHOMORE who was already lucky enough to get on the Varsity football team really has a chance at team captain?

Then we get a high school montage of scenes:

—Betty, Jughead and Kevin recreating Kevin’s father’s murder board.

—Archie and Reggie battling for team captain.

—Veronica hitting the zingers out of the ballpark with much force.

—and the beginning of Val and Archie if not more of Archie’s music career.

Next we get the Blossom’s revealing their reasons why they’re inviting who they are to their son’s funeral. They at least are getting this murder mystery moving along in a forward motion. They, along with Betty on her faux-date are the ones still reminding us, the viewers, that there is a mystery still to be solved in and out of all the high school drama. We also get more drama in the form of Betty finding out what happened to her sister before she was shipped off to the hospital to be cared for.

Next is the creepiest dinner scenes/sleepover of the year. And a history in Maple syrup. Luckily it lead to a real bonding moment between Veronica and Cheryl that helped push the girls closer together and helped give Cheryl a backbone where it came to her family who is very over the top not to be trusted.

While I did enjoy the funeral, it was Kevin saying “Yes” to Cheryl’s entrance to the funeral dressed not in black, but in the same white outfit she was wearing when she last saw her brother alive. Great use of Shout by Think Up Anger featuring Malia J.

Riverdale — “Chapter Five: Heart of Darkness” — Image Number: RVD105b_0243.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Barclay Hope as Cliff Blossom, Nathalie Boltt as Penelope Blossom, and Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom — Photo: Diyah Pera /The CW — © 2017 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved

 

 

Riverdale Recap – Chapters 2 & 3

Not exactly going to do a full blown recap of each episode so much as just list some of my musings and pros and cons thoughts about each one. People can feel free to add their own comments in the comment section as they see fit.

Chapter 2 – A Touch of Evil

As far as the mystery aspect to this show goes the second episode expanded on the first, continuing to set up the mystery and get us interested in the why of Jason’s murder. Not a lot was explained, although we did get the how (it was a little more gruesome than I was expecting for this show—another nod to Twin Peaks I would say), and now we can start on the path of eliminating suspects, Ten Little Indian- style. As for the episode itself, these were my personal pros and cons about the episode:

Pros:

Loving Jughead’s noir-inspired voice-over narrations. And for him smart enough to piece together that Archie has much to explain about their summer and the plans he bailed on between the two.  And glad that when Jughead found out about Archie and Miss Grundy he didn’t simply hide it, he forced Archie to explain his actions. It also touched upon the once was friendship of Archie and Jughead and made us want more of that. Also, good for Archie for deciding to come forward with where he was on 4th of July weekend and another good point for Archie and Jughead finally trying to restore their friendship by the end of the episode.

Archie’s opening scenes in nothing but his skivvies. The creators definitely know their audience. And what they have with AJ Kapa. In the words of Kevin: “Now that romance is off the table, I’ll just say it, ‘are we one-hundred percent sure that Archie is straight, because no straight man has that body.’”

Loving me some Alice Cooper (Madchen Amick) even if she is a controlling freak show. “That’s a national obsession waiting to happen.”

Betty being smart enough to make her own decisions. And for being adult enough to know that while her head says she’s over Archie, her heart says otherwise, and to know that she needs time before being friends with Archie again (been there, done that).

Mrs. Phillips’ face when saying: “That’s why I called her.” In reply to Kevin asking if the flowers left were for Betty.

That Veronica wants to work on her friendship with Betty and genuinely trying to turn a new leaf and not be a “madam Satan” any more. Yay for a genuine friendship between girls that isn’t just about two girls fighting over the same boy but being supportive of one another. Even if said friendship is still growing I like where it’s going, bumps ‘n all.

Cheryl Blossom really is one of the best characters on this show. With some of the best quips, she’s a bitch while still being likeable. Loved her during the frog dissection scene.  #RiverdaleStrong

Riverdale — “Chapter Two: A Touch of Evil” — Image Number: RVD102c_0200.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom and KJ Apa as Archie Andrews — Photo: Dean Buscher/The CW — © 2016 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved

Archie (KJ) really can sing. Good for the CW for finding someone who can instead of just a face that they have to dub over every time he does.

The autopsy scene of Jason Blossoms. Not that an autopsy scene on the CW is all that important but it did explain a little more about Jason’s death and made him a little more interesting and pulled us into wanting to know why he was killed, something that was lacking in the pilot.

Once again father/son sense between Archie and his dad. Really, they are one of the strongest points so far on this show and Luke Perry is delivering as a father with sage advance that isn’t preachy and actually there for his son and to little and bestow wisdom upon him.

The Josie & the Pussycats song/dance number in the rain at the pep rally.

Cons:

For whatever reason TV shows with storylines pertaining to teens love to do the inappropriate adult/teacher and student relationships. Riverdale isn’t the first (thank you Dawson’s Creek and Pretty Little Liars just to name a few) and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Just not sure what the appeal of it is from a legal standpoint when you put your characters in that situation and try really hard to justify both party’s actions. Out of all the storylines this is the least compelling and I’ve yet to hear a single person who is on board for this relationship or storyline.

I love Pop’s and would love to visit but even that server delivering the milkshakes was a bit too sweet for anyone’s taste, even if I did get what they were going for.

“That I’m guilty.” It’s only the second episode. We’re all aware that Cheryl didn’t kill her brother. Or that at least that’s not what she was talking about as the police hauled her out of school.

Chapter 3 – Body Double

The information that Jason wasn’t killed over 4th of July weekend and that the timeline is now changed up. This changes things as far as whatever suspects we may have started lining up.

Betty and Juggy getting the Blue & Gold student newspaper up and running as they try investigating Jason’s murder their selves. I like the chemistry between the two and love that someone on this show teenage wise is investing the murder, thus brining it front and center as one of the central storylines.

Jughead for grilling Dilton Doiley.

Josie finally didn’t come off as a total bitch. Even if she is still a little icy.

Ethel Muggs! Although I will admit, I don’t know if it was the way she delivered her scenes or it was just filmed that way, but I almost didn’t buy a single word she was saying and was actually waiting to find out that she was hiding things and had her own agenda (which I almost whished had happened).

“And where did you get those thigh-high boots? They’re amazing.” Oh Kevin to the rescue with the one-liners yet again. Him and Cheryl are saving and slaying it in this show with their commentary.

Alice Cooper whipping/smearing the lipstick off Betty’s face. Such a controlling scene. You can totally see Betty ready to snap in that scene. Though I’m not quite sure this entire storyline of her trying to seduce her way into revenge for the points book just yet. Maybe would have played better on later in the season. Though she is still mending from her heartache over Archie.

Yet another great scene between Archie and Fred Andrews. Archie calling his father out on his acceptance over his music dreams as opposed to his football ambitions was well played. And props to Fred for finally willing to see he should change his view and set up the garage to help support Archie’s dreams.

The slap between Penelope Blossoms and Alice Cooper. Such a great Dynasty scene.

Cons:

Cheryl explaining the last few days of Jason’s life as she knew it. Really? Her brother is just planning on running away but instead of doing so they’re going to try and convince the world he’s dead. That seems a little harsh.

Sticky Maple. I’ll say no more . . . just, look it up yourself. Although pro for the show tackling slut shamming and pro again for getting Betty and Veronica into the boy’s locker room, even if none of the boys in there look like “boys.” And guess it’s time for Cheryl to realize her brother doesn’t quite belong up on the pedestal she’s put him up on.

I was 100% all for the girls getting revenge on the boys for slut shamming the girls of Riverdale but I’m not quite sure I bought the way they went about it. Figured there could have been a slightly more realistic way to go about getting revenge.

Riverdale — “Pilot” — Image Number: RVD101g_0362.jpg — Pictured: Cole Sprouse as Jughead — Photo: Katie Yu/The CW — © 2016 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved.

Riverdale – Chapters 2 & 3

Not exactly going to do a full blown recap of each episode so much as just list some of my musings and pros and cons thoughts about each one. People can feel free to add their own comments in the comment section as they see fit.

Chapter 2 – A Touch of Evil

As far as the mystery aspect to this show goes the second episode expanded on the first, continuing to set up the mystery and get us interested in the why of Jason’s murder. Not a lot was explained, although we did get the how (it was a little more gruesome than I was expecting for this show—another nod to Twin Peaks I would say), and now we can start on the path of eliminating suspects, Ten Little Indian- style. As for the episode itself, these were my personal pros and cons about the episode:

Pros:

Loving Jughead’s noir-inspired voice-over narrations. And for him smart enough to piece together that Archie has much to explain about their summer and the plans he bailed on between the two.  And glad that when Jughead found out about Archie and Miss Grundy he didn’t simply hide it, he forced Archie to explain his actions. It also touched upon the once was friendship of Archie and Jughead and made us want more of that. Also, good for Archie for deciding to come forward with where he was on 4th of July weekend and another good point for Archie and Jughead finally trying to restore their friendship by the end of the episode.

Archie’s opening scenes in nothing but his skivvies. The creators definitely know their audience. And what they have with AJ Kapa. In the words of Kevin: “Now that romance is off the table, I’ll just say it, ‘are we one-hundred percent sure that Archie is straight, because no straight man has that body.’”

Loving me some Alice Cooper (Madchen Amick) even if she is a controlling freak show. “That’s a national obsession waiting to happen.”

Betty being smart enough to make her own decisions. And for being adult enough to know that while her head says she’s over Archie, her heart says otherwise, and to know that she needs time before being friends with Archie again (been there, done that).

Mrs. Phillips’ face when saying: “That’s why I called her.” In reply to Kevin asking if the flowers left were for Betty.

That Veronica wants to work on her friendship with Betty and genuinely trying to turn a new leaf and not be a “madam Satan” any more. Yay for a genuine friendship between girls that isn’t just about two girls fighting over the same boy but being supportive of one another. Even if said friendship is still growing I like where it’s going, bumps ‘n all.

Cheryl Blossom really is one of the best characters on this show. With some of the best quips, she’s a bitch while still being likeable. Loved her during the frog dissection scene.  #RiverdaleStrong

Riverdale — “Chapter Two: A Touch of Evil” — Image Number: RVD102c_0200.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom and KJ Apa as Archie Andrews — Photo: Dean Buscher/The CW — © 2016 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved

Archie (KJ) really can sing. Good for the CW for finding someone who can instead of just a face that they have to dub over every time he does.

The autopsy scene of Jason Blossoms. Not that an autopsy scene on the CW is all that important but it did explain a little more about Jason’s death and made him a little more interesting and pulled us into wanting to know why he was killed, something that was lacking in the pilot.

Once again father/son sense between Archie and his dad. Really, they are one of the strongest points so far on this show and Luke Perry is delivering as a father with sage advance that isn’t preachy and actually there for his son and to little and bestow wisdom upon him.

The Josie & the Pussycats song/dance number in the rain at the pep rally.

Cons:

For whatever reason TV shows with storylines pertaining to teens love to do the inappropriate adult/teacher and student relationships. Riverdale isn’t the first (thank you Dawson’s Creek and Pretty Little Liars just to name a few) and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Just not sure what the appeal of it is from a legal standpoint when you put your characters in that situation and try really hard to justify both party’s actions. Out of all the storylines this is the least compelling and I’ve yet to hear a single person who is on board for this relationship or storyline.

I love Pop’s and would love to visit but even that server delivering the milkshakes was a bit too sweet for anyone’s taste, even if I did get what they were going for.

“That I’m guilty.” It’s only the second episode. We’re all aware that Cheryl didn’t kill her brother. Or that at least that’s not what she was talking about as the police hauled her out of school.

Chapter 3 – Body Double

The information that Jason wasn’t killed over 4th of July weekend and that the timeline is now changed up. This changes things as far as whatever suspects we may have started lining up.

Betty and Juggy getting the Blue & Gold student newspaper up and running as they try investigating Jason’s murder their selves. I like the chemistry between the two and love that someone on this show teenage wise is investing the murder, thus brining it front and center as one of the central storylines.

Jughead for grilling Dilton Doiley.

Josie finally didn’t come off as a total bitch. Even if she is still a little icy.

Ethel Muggs! Although I will admit, I don’t know if it was the way she delivered her scenes or it was just filmed that way, but I almost didn’t buy a single word she was saying and was actually waiting to find out that she was hiding things and had her own agenda (which I almost whished had happened).

“And where did you get those thigh-high boots? They’re amazing.” Oh Kevin to the rescue with the one-liners yet again. Him and Cheryl are saving and slaying it in this show with their commentary.

Alice Cooper whipping/smearing the lipstick off Betty’s face. Such a controlling scene. You can totally see Betty ready to snap in that scene. Though I’m not quite sure this entire storyline of her trying to seduce her way into revenge for the points book just yet. Maybe would have played better on later in the season. Though she is still mending from her heartache over Archie.

Yet another great scene between Archie and Fred Andrews. Archie calling his father out on his acceptance over his music dreams as opposed to his football ambitions was well played. And props to Fred for finally willing to see he should change his view and set up the garage to help support Archie’s dreams.

The slap between Penelope Blossoms and Alice Cooper. Such a great Dynasty scene.

Cons:

Cheryl explaining the last few days of Jason’s life as she knew it. Really? Her brother is just planning on running away but instead of doing so they’re going to try and convince the world he’s dead. That seems a little harsh.

Sticky Maple. I’ll say no more . . . just, look it up yourself. Although pro for the show tackling slut shamming and pro again for getting Betty and Veronica into the boy’s locker room, even if none of the boys in there look like “boys.” And guess it’s time for Cheryl to realize her brother doesn’t quite belong up on the pedestal she’s put him up on.

I was 100% all for the girls getting revenge on the boys for slut shamming the girls of Riverdale but I’m not quite sure I bought the way they went about it. Figured there could have been a slightly more realistic way to go about getting revenge.

Riverdale — “Pilot” — Image Number: RVD101g_0362.jpg — Pictured: Cole Sprouse as Jughead — Photo: Katie Yu/The CW — © 2016 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved.

Riverdale Recap (Chapter 1: The River’s Edge)

So since the next project I’m working on is a YA mystery the next few blog postings you read about will most likely touch upon YA subjects . . . so with that in mind let’s hit up my first blogging on the subject.

Confession time. I don’t think I can rightfully claim to have ever read a panel (let alone a full issue) of an Archie comic in my life. And this coming from someone who both collected and read numerous comics growing up. Sure, I’m familiar with the Archie world, so far as that knowledge is limited to the names Archie, Betty, Veronica & Jughead. I was aware of the hoopla that surrounded the introduction of Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in the Archie world, back when he was first created in 2010. But I don’t think I could have even told you the town they all lived in was Riverdale (until the CW announced their TV show last year).  And so, this review/critique (?) of CW’s Riverdale TV show will be done with less affection for its adaption of the Archie comics (of which I’ve been told is very slim, again depending on who you ask) but more as a TV show as a whole, and more particularly as a YA melodrama and teen mystery (which was what sparked my initial interest for the show).

So let’s start with some of the obvious aspects to this episode. First off, the look (and its companion: the sound). From the opening montage, a very noir-like voice over (from Jughead) is used to both describe the town and introduce a few of the characters that will be important with the ongoing storylines. There’s the somewhat creepy intro to the Blossom twins: Jason (our soon to be victim and main mystery to solve for the season) and his bitchy, queen B sister, Cheryl. They are wonderfully introduced over a very well-used Tell Me by Johnny Jewel featuring Saoirse  Ronan (from the Lost River soundtrack for those of you looking for that type of thing) in what is a fine line between a fifties-type innocent brother/sister love and what could possibly be a more Twin Peaks inspired incestual relationship. Soon Cheryl is found abandoned on the side of a river where her and her brother were boating for the fourth of July, with her brother nowhere to be found, Cheryl’s claim that he fell in and drowned (despite being on the water polo team, no less).  An investigation is begun into finding Jason’s body, townsfolk show up, some with concern for the missing teenager, some in hopes that he truly is dead. The look of the show is excellent, with most of it appearing to be filmed at night while what is filmed during the day has a gloomy, overcast feel to it. Personally I dig it. Its effective and moody and helps set the tone just right.

We then cut to a few months later and school—Sophomore year for most of our teenage cast—is beginning. First there’s our lead, Archie Andrews, who spent the summer hauling cement and building a body that probably would not have developed quite so much for a kid his age, but then again, what do I remember from my freshman/sophomore years? (perhaps they should have started them at least a year later in school, but then they wouldn’t be able to get another year out of the show before turning the kids over to the college years). This is a point brought up by the wonderfully played (thank you Casey Cott)  Kevin Keller as Riverdale’s one and only truly out character and reigning leader of the zingers. Then there’s Archie’s best friend, Betty Cooper, (who also appears to be besties with Kevin) who has finally decided to tell Archie that she has true love feelings for him and would like to move beyond the friend zone. Before that can happen though they are both introduced to newcomer Veronica Lodge, who, along with her mother Hermione, have left the Big Apple for small-time Riverdale in the wake of a scandalous Ponzi scheme that Veronica’s father is being accused of. Veronica’s lines were almost a bit too meta, even for this show, but there is a spunk to the actress that sells the role. The same can be said for the whole cast all around. Though this show probably won’t be winning any Emmys any time soon it’s still a solid effort and everyone in the cast seems fully committed to their parts.

Fortunately, this show isn’t entirely a YA effort, as most of the kids’ parents are also given some screen time, with the promise of their own intriguing storylines set to unfold. Archie’s dad, Fred, runs his own construction company and appears to be a rather respectful, and concerned parent without being melodramatic or overbearing. He even has a rather well done scene later in the episode where he lays out his expectations for Archie and how he should behave if wanting to be treated as a man. It’s a good scene, emotional and effective, again without being overly melodramatic. That’s slightly more than can be said for the two female adult characters that were introduced: Veronica’s mother Hermione Lodge—who is trying to start over while probably trying her best to keep her expensive  tastes not too far behind her—and Betty’s mother, Alice Cooper, who has high/strict expectations for her youngest daughter (complete with pills to help her focus), especially in light of her oldest daughter Polly’s breakdown (of some sort) after her breakup with Jason Blossoms some time the previous year. Neither were given more than two scenes but I expect much more from both actresses in the future of the show.

Now, overall, I highly enjoyed this show. It’s exactly what I was hoping and expecting it to be. Was it perfect? No. Were there flaws? Yes. But can I overlook the little nitpicking problems for the greater good? Without any problems. Some of the little problems that kinda nagged at me are:

—the meta/social references. Thanks to Kevin Williamson and the creation of Scream and Dawson’s Creek we now live in a world where self-references are abundant. That being said there were a lot of them crammed into the one hour as if there was a contest to see how many the writer(s) could get in there. And several from the same show (someone sure loves Mad Men). Again, not a deal breaker for me so much as it was just a little distracting to have quite so many being made in just a 40 minute show time). There had to be at least four (or more) different ways in which Archie himself was referred to (Justin Gingerlake, Teenage  Outlander, etc).

—the central mystery. Don’t ask me how David Lynch and Mark Frost did it (with Twin Peaks for those not familiar with them) but somehow they introduced a mystery (Who Killed Laura Palmer?) without having a second of screen time showing Laura alive before her body was discovered and yet somehow we really did care about who killed her and why? Maybe it was the time period. Maybe it was that it really hadn’t been done before then. Maybe it was the brilliant cast of characters that we wanted to get to know better. Whatever the reason, rarely has it ever worked so effectively, especially without the central victim having been established to the core audience (as a personal note I think The Killing managed to make us care—public outcry over the season one finale would sure have us believe that). And that’s a problem here. Jason Blossoms. Sorry, but don’t know the kid and why should I care that he’s dead? Or who killed him? What little we actually know about him so far doesn’t exactly make him a prince worth mourning over. But again, could be wrong here. I’m sure this will be laid out and more fully developed as the show goes on, but for a pilot episode, while I would like to know who killed him, I probably don’t care who did it based on who all was introduced so far.

—Josie & The Pussycats. Again, I’m not 100% familiar with this world (I only found out a month or so ago that Sabrina the Teenage Witch originated from this comic series) but knew about Josie. I’m not a diehard fan of theirs and based on their two scene intro in the pilot I can’t say that I am now. I know they’re supposed to be strong, independent, fierce women . . . and perhaps that’s how they’ll be developed as the show goes on, but based on the first scene interaction with Archie they came off across more as bitchy and stuck up. Even unapproachable. I liked the song they sang at the Back to School Semi-Formal and I’m hoping they will be more developed as fully functioning characters and not simply around to sing a song each week, but I have to be honest, my first introduction to the characters left a somewhat bitter taste.

I feel like this could go on for a lot more so for now that’s more or less what I’ve got to say on the subject so far. I’m sure other things will pop into my mind as the weeks go on and I’ll cover them here and there (both pros and cons). Bottom line is I really enjoyed this show, both as a YA drama (with that bar being set by The OC) and as a teenage mystery (a very high bar set by Veronica Mars). Since none of this show’s central characters appear to be a detective-type character it will be interesting to see how the mystery progresses with the characters remaining involved, but considering one of their schoolmates was the victim I’m sure that won’t be a problem.

 

Riverdale Recap (Episode 1: The River’s Edge)

So since the next project I’m working on is a YA mystery the next few blog postings you read about will most likely touch upon YA subjects . . . so with that in mind let’s hit up my first blogging on the subject.

Confession time. I don’t think I can rightfully claim to have ever read a panel (let alone a full issue) of an Archie comic in my life. And this coming from someone who both collected and read numerous comics growing up. Sure, I’m familiar with the Archie world, so far as that knowledge is limited to the names Archie, Betty, Veronica & Jughead. I was aware of the hoopla that surrounded the introduction of Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in the Archie world, back when he was first created in 2010. But I don’t think I could have even told you the town they all lived in was Riverdale (until the CW announced their TV show last year).  And so, this review/critique (?) of CW’s Riverdale TV show will be done with less affection for its adaption of the Archie comics (of which I’ve been told is very slim, again depending on who you ask) but more as a TV show as a whole, and more particularly as a YA melodrama and teen mystery (which was what sparked my initial interest for the show).

So let’s start with some of the obvious aspects to this episode. First off, the look (and its companion: the sound). From the opening montage, a very noir-like voice over (from Jughead) is used to both describe the town and introduce a few of the characters that will be important with the ongoing storylines. There’s the somewhat creepy intro to the Blossom twins: Jason (our soon to be victim and main mystery to solve for the season) and his bitchy, queen B sister, Cheryl. They are wonderfully introduced over a very well-used Tell Me by Johnny Jewel featuring Saoirse  Ronan (from the Lost River soundtrack for those of you looking for that type of thing) in what is a fine line between a fifties-type innocent brother/sister love and what could possibly be a more Twin Peaks inspired incestual relationship. Soon Cheryl is found abandoned on the side of a river where her and her brother were boating for the fourth of July, with her brother nowhere to be found, Cheryl’s claim that he fell in and drowned (despite being on the water polo team, no less).  An investigation is begun into finding Jason’s body, townsfolk show up, some with concern for the missing teenager, some in hopes that he truly is dead. The look of the show is excellent, with most of it appearing to be filmed at night while what is filmed during the day has a gloomy, overcast feel to it. Personally I dig it. Its effective and moody and helps set the tone just right.

We then cut to a few months later and school—Sophomore year for most of our teenage cast—is beginning. First there’s our lead, Archie Andrews, who spent the summer hauling cement and building a body that probably would not have developed quite so much for a kid his age, but then again, what do I remember from my freshman/sophomore years? (perhaps they should have started them at least a year later in school, but then they wouldn’t be able to get another year out of the show before turning the kids over to the college years). This is a point brought up by the wonderfully played (thank you Casey Cott)  Kevin Keller as Riverdale’s one and only truly out character and reigning leader of the zingers. Then there’s Archie’s best friend, Betty Cooper, (who also appears to be besties with Kevin) who has finally decided to tell Archie that she has true love feelings for him and would like to move beyond the friend zone. Before that can happen though they are both introduced to newcomer Veronica Lodge, who, along with her mother Hermione, have left the Big Apple for small-time Riverdale in the wake of a scandalous Ponzi scheme that Veronica’s father is being accused of. Veronica’s lines were almost a bit too meta, even for this show, but there is a spunk to the actress that sells the role. The same can be said for the whole cast all around. Though this show probably won’t be winning any Emmys any time soon it’s still a solid effort and everyone in the cast seems fully committed to their parts.

Fortunately, this show isn’t entirely a YA effort, as most of the kids’ parents are also given some screen time, with the promise of their own intriguing storylines set to unfold. Archie’s dad, Fred, runs his own construction company and appears to be a rather respectful, and concerned parent without being melodramatic or overbearing. He even has a rather well done scene later in the episode where he lays out his expectations for Archie and how he should behave if wanting to be treated as a man. It’s a good scene, emotional and effective, again without being overly melodramatic. That’s slightly more than can be said for the two female adult characters that were introduced: Veronica’s mother Hermione Lodge—who is trying to start over while probably trying her best to keep her expensive  tastes not too far behind her—and Betty’s mother, Alice Cooper, who has high/strict expectations for her youngest daughter (complete with pills to help her focus), especially in light of her oldest daughter Polly’s breakdown (of some sort) after her breakup with Jason Blossoms some time the previous year. Neither were given more than two scenes but I expect much more from both actresses in the future of the show.

Now, overall, I highly enjoyed this show. It’s exactly what I was hoping and expecting it to be. Was it perfect? No. Were there flaws? Yes. But can I overlook the little nitpicking problems for the greater good? Without any problems. Some of the little problems that kinda nagged at me are:

—the meta/social references. Thanks to Kevin Williamson and the creation of Scream and Dawson’s Creek we now live in a world where self-references are abundant. That being said there were a lot of them crammed into the one hour as if there was a contest to see how many the writer(s) could get in there. And several from the same show (someone sure loves Mad Men). Again, not a deal breaker for me so much as it was just a little distracting to have quite so many being made in just a 40 minute show time). There had to be at least four (or more) different ways in which Archie himself was referred to (Justin Gingerlake, Teenage  Outlander, etc).

—the central mystery. Don’t ask me how David Lynch and Mark Frost did it (with Twin Peaks for those not familiar with them) but somehow they introduced a mystery (Who Killed Laura Palmer?) without having a second of screen time showing Laura alive before her body was discovered and yet somehow we really did care about who killed her and why? Maybe it was the time period. Maybe it was that it really hadn’t been done before then. Maybe it was the brilliant cast of characters that we wanted to get to know better. Whatever the reason, rarely has it ever worked so effectively, especially without the central victim having been established to the core audience (as a personal note I think The Killing managed to make us care—public outcry over the season one finale would sure have us believe that). And that’s a problem here. Jason Blossoms. Sorry, but don’t know the kid and why should I care that he’s dead? Or who killed him? What little we actually know about him so far doesn’t exactly make him a prince worth mourning over. But again, could be wrong here. I’m sure this will be laid out and more fully developed as the show goes on, but for a pilot episode, while I would like to know who killed him, I probably don’t care who did it based on who all was introduced so far.

—Josie & The Pussycats. Again, I’m not 100% familiar with this world (I only found out a month or so ago that Sabrina the Teenage Witch originated from this comic series) but knew about Josie. I’m not a diehard fan of theirs and based on their two scene intro in the pilot I can’t say that I am now. I know they’re supposed to be strong, independent, fierce women . . . and perhaps that’s how they’ll be developed as the show goes on, but based on the first scene interaction with Archie they came off across more as bitchy and stuck up. Even unapproachable. I liked the song they sang at the Back to School Semi-Formal and I’m hoping they will be more developed as fully functioning characters and not simply around to sing a song each week, but I have to be honest, my first introduction to the characters left a somewhat bitter taste.

I feel like this could go on for a lot more so for now that’s more or less what I’ve got to say on the subject so far. I’m sure other things will pop into my mind as the weeks go on and I’ll cover them here and there (both pros and cons). Bottom line is I really enjoyed this show, both as a YA drama (with that bar being set by The OC) and as a teenage mystery (a very high bar set by Veronica Mars). Since none of this show’s central characters appear to be a detective-type character it will be interesting to see how the mystery progresses with the characters remaining involved, but considering one of their schoolmates was the victim I’m sure that won’t be a problem.

 

Favorite Stephen King Books – Part Two

And now for part two of my list of my favorite Stephen King books. Again, this does not cover his numerous short stories, novellas and screenplays. Perhaps those will be listed at a future date and time. Until then . . . here are the top five (for me at least).

5) Cujo – Cujo was not only the first Stephen King novel I ever read it was also the  first “adult” novel I ever read and it definitely left its mark. I devoured the book in three days and went on to read it half a dozen more times over the next decade or so. It’s an easy read for me, plus the intensity of the situation demands one sits down and continues to read. The ending was one at the time that I not only did not know was allowed to be done but that it even could be done. Still haunting and every time I reread it I keep hoping the outcome will be different. And each time left with the shock that it never will be. Plus I have to 100% agree with King’s assessment that Dee Wallace was phenomenal in the movie adaptation.

4) The Shining – I’ve of a mixed mind when it comes to this story, particularly the movies and mini-series adaption. I love the novel and while I get that the movie isn’t 100% faithful in its adaption—Jack starts out appearing off the edge and Wendy is never as strong as I’d like her to be—it’s not meant to be as it was supposed to be more of a Kubrick film than a King adaption. The film has its various scenes that hit the mark and the imagery can be at times jarring and intense. I think Kubrick set out to achieve what he does with it and hits his mark. Faithful adaption or not. Whereas the mini-series was a more faithful adaption, it can unfortunately run a little long at times and never quite hits the creep factor. That being said, if one stays with it through the first five hours the final one is a doozey and worth the wait. Plus, Rebecca De Mornay is great in everything she does. Regardless of whichever adaption you prefer there is always the superior novel, one of King’s greatest, and one of his greatest about writers (Misery may hit that better but that’s one that I LOVE the film far more than the novel to the point that I’ve not reread it since the first time—Probably should by now).

3) ‘Salem’s Lot – The book the (original) miniseries, you name it I love it. The is definitely one of my favorites and probably my favorite original small town as a character, as I had become familiar with Jerusalem’s Lot years before Castle Rock. (Regardless, growing up I wanted nothing more than to live in a small Stephen King-created New England, Maine town). This dense novel is spread out over the numerous townsfolk who are affected by the virus running through town and King does a marvelous job and fleshing them, and their issues, out into full-blooded humans that you feel really do exist. You almost what to know what their lives would have been like had they not been interrupted by bloodsuckers. Will battered wives leave their abusive husbands? Will the picked on kids in school eventually get their comeuppance. Will the dashing author win the heart of a local girl and live happily ever after? You get the point. The villains are also all terrifying and creepy and a sense of foreboding claustrophobia sets in to the reader as one hopes that those caught up in the vampire s wake will make it out alive. Some do. Most do not. Despite knowing where this novel is going I still pick it up and re-read it every couple of years.

2) The Stand – I’ve only read The Stand once (and I’ve been itching to re-read it again this past year and will most likely get to it in 2017) but I still can recall that time in 1994 when I read it. That was in early ’94 before the mini-series came out on TV which I made into a national event at my (parents’) home! I HAD to watch that one and my mother was more than aware of it and made sure I didn’t miss a moment of it. While I highly enjoyed the mini-series, and thought it about as perfect an adaption as TV could get (at the time) I still remember the journey I took when reading that massive thousand page-plus novel. I was thought to be crazy to tackle such a doorstopper but I was totally immersed in the world and the loneliness that was projected onto the survivors as they tried to find connections to other survivors. I felt their longings, conflictions, drives and desires in what I feel was one of King’s most fleshed out (character wise) novels with hundreds of characters. The book took me a full month to finish and I still recall that month with great glee.

1) IT – Out of all of King’s books the one that I have re-read the most and is closest to my heart would be IT. Almost divided evenly into two “parts”, one half follows the kids battling the shape-shifting entity while the other half follows them as adults. The book is not as evenly divided into these two parts as was done with the mini-series as it spreads the flashbacks throughout the many present day scenes, but I actually rather prefer the spreading out of the flashback scenes as opposed to doing them all at once in the beginning, although that does help introduce the characters and get us to fully known them quicker. I knew the kids of the Losers Club when I first read this book (somewhere in the early to mid-90s) and even wanted to be a part of their group. Friends with each of them. Even at the cost of confronting an evil clown. The book is massive, one of King’s longest, at over a thousand pages and it is one of his quickest reads as far as I am concerned. Not only are the characters fully developed and alive, so is the evil child preying clown Pennywise and all of the various forms he takes throughout the novel. I thought that the mini-series in the 90s was well done (for the time) and the casting was pitch perfect, with the biggest flaw being the amount of stuff from King’s novel that didn’t make it into the rather brief 4-hour running time. Had they added another four hours I feel there would be no need for a remake. But alas, Hollywood has come a knocking once again. Unfortunately, it is not as an 8-hour (or so) mini-series (as it should be) but rather as two two-hour movies. Sure they will be more R rated in their gore and intensity, and possibly will feature difference scenes that were originally left out of the miniseries (being deemed too intense for the times), but there will still be chunks of the novel left on the cutting room floor. Perhaps, some day, twenty-eight years or so from now, Hollywood will once again tackle this project and maybe get it 100% right that time. Until that time, we still have King’s glorious magnum opus of a novel that no amount of Hollywood tinkering can begin to alter.

 

Favorite Stephen King Books – Part One

So one thing I’ve been told that people love (particularly in blog posts) are lists. And being as it’s almost Halloween I figured I’d do my top ten favorite Stephen King novels being as he’s probably my favorite author that I read growing up and somewhat responsible for me wanting to be a writer when I grew up. Now, I’m not going to summarize what each novel is about, as I figure by now most people know what his

most famous stories are about and/or you’d be a fan of his if you’re even willing to read through this list. Instead I’ll give a few of my own personal connections and reasons for picking said novels. This list will not include the numerous short stories of his (although I’m sure there’s a separate top ten list I could do based on those alone) nor original screenplays (or else my love for Storm of the Century would be near the top of this list) or some of his other various projects. And so . . . we begin . . .

10) The Talisman (with Peter Straub) – This is probably the novel on this list I’ve read the least amount of times (only two, although I have been itching to read it again lately and probably will by the end of this year or beginning of next). But what I remember about this novel was the journey (this was one that I connected with more so than that of Roland’s in the Dark Tower novels, none of which actually make it on this list). And the characters. I also remember reading about the numerous and never ending rumors of it being turned into a miniseries year after year throughout my childhood. Steven Spielberg was the name I remember being most attached to it. I’d still look forward to seeing this story on the screen, pending the adaption was done with care and not just a hack ’n slash job to turn a project out.

9) Firestarter – This was one of two King books that my grandparents had on their bookshelves that I remember from growing up (the other was Pet Sematary). Though this is probably a somewhat dated book now, dealing more with secret government agencies and testing and whatnot but I always wanted another book to feature The Shop or even a book about them. I loved little Charlie McGee and her special abilities (though personally, I always wanted her dad’s ability to “push” more) and just wanted the bad guys to leave her alone. I remember everyone talking about the movie when I was a kid, and I loved to watch the various adaptions after I had read each book, and thinking eh, not bad but so so. This is definitely one of those where the book is stronger than the movie.

8) Pet Sematary – I’m not one of those people who found Pet Sematary to be too scary to finish reading but I did love it for how atmospheric it was. Murder, the dead coming back alive, cemeteries, Indian burial grounds, curses, the wendigo and the list goes on. The cover alone I remember seeing at my grandparent’s house and I just had to read this book. Gruesome, over the top and a hell of a ride, which if I remember my King over the years I think it’s one of the main things he wants for his readers. Just to sit back and enjoy.

7) Needful Things – This is a book that affects me both as a reader of King’s books and as a writer. On the reader aspect I always loved King’s books set in Castle Rock (I wanted to move and live there, or in a small New England town just like it growing up) and while I enjoyed the story I came to later on realize a difference in the novels King wrote that came out after the destruction of Castle Rock. The more horror-centric aspects to his novels began to fade for a more focused idea of the human side of his stories. I think this is why more of what are considered his “classics” came out before and got him the title as King of Horror as opposed to more of his psychological thrillers which followed (Dolores Claiborne, Gerald’s Game, Rose Madder, Lisey’s Story, etc). Not that he hasn’t had good ones since, just that they aren’t in the same corner as his older horror based novels. As far as the writer in me goes I’m absently horrified/mystified/in awe to think about the “board” King must have used to keep track of writing this novel and would have loved to see what it looked like (it had to put anything they had in The Wire to shame). Basically, Person A does something mean to Person B that causes Person B to blame Person C who had nothing to do with it said crime and so on it goes, on and on. This is how the whole novel goes. This could not have been an easy novel to keep track of, especially considering the sheer size of the overall novel, and I can’t help but be in awe of King for writing it. As far as the movie goes, I liked the casting, and what was in there was good, just wished the other 60% of the novel could have been as well. Oh and on a side note, if you can catch the longer Directors’ Cut on TV I’d recommend doing so, just to see what didn’t make it into the theatrical cut.

6) Christine – Christine was one of those rare exceptions to the rule where I had actually seen the movie before reading the book and while I loves me some John Carpenter I wasn’t especially blown away by it (although I do appreciate it for what it is now, years later). So it was one of those books I wasn’t especially dying to read and after I had already read everything else King had to offer at the time (somewhere around the time Needful Things was released in hardcover) I finally made my way to the novel and completely fell in love with it. The overall supernatural aspects to the story as so much more prominent in the novel and I loved the high school protagonists, which probably helped as I was in high school at the time. I haven’t read this novel in close to 20 years but it still sticks with me (which is why it’s where it is on this list) and memorable as it was I can’t wait to dig into it again.

The next five books next time . . .

Remembering Castle

I admit that I have been a Castle fan ever since the first episode premiered on March 9th, 2009 all the way through all 173 episodes (some more than others) up to the finale that has just aired. I liked the premise, a mystery writer (duh) who ends up assisting the NYPD when a fan begins to take the crime scenes from his own thrillers and brings them to life. Granted, that storyline only lasted for the first episode, but it was enough to get the ball rolling and introduce a cast full of engaging, likeable characters. The quick rata-a-tat delivery of dialogue brought back the good ol’ days of His Girl Friday (a personal favorite) and other such Noir detective films with teasing banter like with Bogart and Bacall. Nathan Fillion had finally found a show that appeared to have legs and would allow his charm to shine through the TV screens as so many had seen before on previous shorter-lived projects. And Stana Katic, though not as familiar, appeared to have the perfect combination of sensuality and toughness to hold her own against such an overpowering presence in its title character/actor. I won’t spend too much time mulling over specific characters or plot points here as I would expect anyone actually reading this to already be somewhat familiar with the Castle show (though that could always happen in a future posting).

After the first season I had even attended the Paley festival where they did the group interview with the cast. And had even gone to the Barnes & Noble at the Grove when the first Richard Castle novel was released and met the cast who each signed the book.

There were a few surprises over the years. A few characters we had to say goodbye to over time. A few storylines that were effectively engaging (the 3XK killer worked for me and I actively looked forward to each time that character’s storyline was brought around) while some were simply meh, (LokSat just never hooked me and the big “reveal” at the end had little to no punch for me).

That was why I too was among the many who were surprised (to say the least) when ABC announced that they were not bringing Castle back for a ninth season, even if only for a partial 13-episode season to wrap things up for the viewers. Especially when it was going noticed in the news for the few weeks leading up to the end how much it appeared that ABC was trying to keep most of the cast secured for another season.

Which brings us to the dismal, but “it’s all we’re gonna get so we’ll take it” tacked on final scene of the now series finale. I get that the producers weren’t sure if the finale was going to be a season finale or series finale. And I can appreciate that they at least made that 60 second scene to be on the safe side. It was better than if we were to be given nothing and left with that cliffhanger of an ending. That being said I get why people who are invested in a show like Castle that not only relies so heavily on its two leads but the entire ensemble as well felt somewhat cheated by not having the rest of the cast involved in that final scene. If you’re going to jump ahead 7 years and show your two leads, is it really that hard to have it set at a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner type scene where you can introduce each of the characters so we the viewers can see where they’ve ended up? That being said, like I said before, what we got was better than if we had gotten nothing.

Besides after Murder, She Wrote wrapped up Jessica Fletcher still managed to grace our TV screens with several made for TV mini-movies. One never knows what the future for Richard Castle and Co. just might bring.