Rapt in MoonLight

Moonlight Con: Fandom Fights About Missing Money

2008-11-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

Originally Dated: 9/14/08
Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of the apparent defrauding of Moonlight fans by the site's owner/admin, Lisa Gerry aka "Leeser", and possible accomplices. All comments on this site are merely this author's opinion.

Update 11/02: Fandom Wank Coda added (see below)
Update 10/31: Lisa Gerry is a proven thief, defrauding the fandom and stiffing Variety
Today, an email and a post from rijane who states,

I just got a call from Variety magazine, which ran a full page "Save Moonlight" ad back in May (I work at a newspaper and facilitated the ad creation and needed to talk to the ad people about it, so they had my number from that).

Leeser collected tens of thousands of dollars but never paid for the ad.

She owes them the full balance - $7,000.

They're sending collections after her, but who knows if they'll get anything.

If I recall correctly, Leeser posted a receipt for the Variety ad on now defunct Moonlightline- about as authentic as her posted drivers license it seems. And what about the Hollywood Reporter? It's clear now that Lisa Gerry deliberately defrauded the fans, saw them as cash cows, gave them false hope, revved them up, and robbed them blind. I hope she goes to prison.

*If you paid for Variety or the HR ads, you do have recourse, because your donation did not go where it was intended. Read below in red.

Update 10/22: Another blogger provides some insight on "affinity fraud", while lindyrb spins.

Update 10/12: Looks like Kevin/Kate may not have worked for a company that hosted porn; it seems that Lisa Gerry's company, Aquasoft, hosted the porn sites, perhaps on that server "dedicated only" to Moonlightline forums.

They also seem to move around a lot and answer/ed to various names: Lisa D. Whittaker, Lisa G Whittaker, Lisa D Gerry, Rev Lisa G/D Whittaker/Gerry, Lisa Fountain, Kevin Whittaker, Kevin Fountain, Kevin Gerry, Kate Gerry. There are other aliases such as Rev Kurokami.

Update 10/08: A new website has been born, lisagerry.com. The forum includes ongoing discovery of Lisa Gerry's movements and "enterprises", particularly on the internet. Primary payment on these sites is usually through Paypal, encompassing religious ministry, pagan schooling for children all the way to submission/domination and lesbian porn.

So far, no record has been found of 501(c)3 tax exemption for non-profits in relation to Goddess Moon Circles church.

***For those victimised by Lisa Gerry there are paths of recourse:
jenwest1988, Oct. 6.08, BWP (need to register):
I contacted PayPal about the tote bag & requested $50 back from Leeser. Here is the message that I received:

Your item is not covered by PayPal Buyer Protection. Thus, we are not able to help you at this point.

However, if more claims are being filed against this seller within the next 180 days we will review this case more closely.

Please contact the seller directly to solve this case. We have to debit the reversal amount as well as a 5 EUR processing fee from your PayPal account.

So whoever didn't get their tote bag [or something else, ed.] should contact PayPal. Hopefully they'll receive enough.

Update 10/06: Events moved swiftly. On Saturday, 10/04, there was another massacre, the banning of the most vociferous agitators; this resulted in verbal (sometimes hilarious) riots on the boards, while threads were being deleted as quickly as they were created. Finally, just as Sunday arrived, the board was pulled down and has been down since.

For a brief while, goldenportia has a recent chat with Kate and Leeser screencapped and published, where Leeser continues to play the victim, dissemble, and where both refer to the continuous insistence on answers as "spam". Leeser also laughed when she was pulling the authors' offices/comments/fic without their consent and found their reaction "amusing". On an interesting note, just before the Great Purge bunchesofun, as she stated, asked to be made a mod to pull the spam and only the spam (there was a bit of spam on the board). I guess she was not lying.
Moonlight Fans Are Too Trusting

Update 09/28 (more below): I have been banned from the site, but the account was not deleted as requested. I placed the following in my signature, in red, which was duly erased with the ban: I am requesting that LEESER delete my account, because Leeser/Lisa Gerry, the owner of this site, lied to and defrauded kaysspleen, and the members of MLL over a period of 1 year [apparently].

I have also randomly interspersed this among my old posts.

Some members have followed suit in their own words. LighterThanUsual(lighterthanair) has also been banned.

Threads are missing. Freshly minted mod, lindyrb, stated that some of fanfic comments (and fanfic), are "in storage". (lindyrb along with Leeser, slept in the Presidential Suite beds, while the donor of the suite slept on the couch because there was no room.) Update: Currently, threads are being placed "in storage" as soon as they appear.

Misappropriation of funds has been uncovered beyond the original complaint by kaysspleens, whose $11,000 anonymous donation for Moonlight bus ads went missing. Over $8000 from the Moonlight Convention, registered by Lisa Gerry as a non-profit, remains unaccounted for according to financial statements presented by the ex-mods of Moonlightline. Donations for a tsunami of gifts over the year, including Variety and The Hollywood Reporter ads, are also being questioned. Promises weren't kept. Lies were proven to be told on a continuous basis. Money is unaccounted for in the tens of thousands.

So far, Leeser/Lisa Gerry has not responded other than to add to proven lies. Nor has she provided any accounting or receipts.

UPDATE 10/01: Leeser/Lisa Gerry is finally the star she always wanted to be! The shenanigans that led up to the Moonlightline scandal (retroactively ongoing) have been enshrined for posterity:
Fandom Wank Wiki

UPDATE 09/28 12pm Pacific: All hell is breaking loose. Freshly minted mod lindyrb is capriciously deleting threads.

________________

Because this blog will take a while to organise, you can begin here, on a site that won't delete the pertinent threads:
When Fan Money Goes Missing

If you're new to Moonlightline, you can follow the saga before it's placed "in storage" here:
From Bus Ad Donor (currently "in storage")

Update 09/26: The Donor Smackdown

Follow the pattern of behavior:
Emotional Vampires
How To Spot Emotional Vampires and Protect Yourself

For a hilariously acerbic, yet insightful take on the entire saga:
A Different Flavor of Vampire Wank
UPDATE 10/01: Part II: Oh the thick plottins!
More UPDATES: The Saga of Leeser Continues!
Sleezer: World Domination Tour
PART IV: ATTACK OF THE 404 ERROR
*NEW: Moonlight Sonata, Coda

First blog on a non Moonlight related site on the apparent fleecing of fandom*:
Moonlight A Real \
*Lisa Gerry was banned from the CBS building, not from Warner Bros.
How "Cult" Was This Hit?

kaysspleen's Real Life Bus Ad

2008-10-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

This is what all the fighting was about. To get those bus ads out there following Moonlight's cancellation and the release of the actors from their contract. The idea was hatched at the beginning of July. From aussiestw's timeline:
21 Jul Leeser hears from the printer regarding the bus ads (Leeser)
27 Jul Proposed graphic finalized and forwarded to printer (Leeser)
31 Jul Waiting on the bus ads to be printed (Leeser)
05 Aug Bus ads would be up by 18 Aug (Leeser). Which never happened. Until now. Thanks to kaysspleen's very public and proper $11,000 lament and the fandom's outrage.

Leeser/Lisa Gerry has scams all over the net. It made some wonder if the ads were even real!

lighterthanair found them. And here is proof- to honour Moonlight and a loving (not crazy) fandom:

Click to enlarge

My best bud, lighterthanair, deduced the right spot from the ad agency's pix. She saw two buses, 20 minutes apart, and one while she was on the road. She took this one quickly at the bus stop at Sunset and Highland. She adds:

Tell them that I took the pic at the corner of Sunset and Highland and that the bus was going north on Highland toward Hollywood Blvd. The steeple with the AIDS ribbon slightly to the north of Hollywood Blvd.

A bus stop at the corner of Sunset and Highland:

Catch Scratch Fever: Alex O'Loughlin

2008-07-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Look at these photographs*: is this not the ultimate in earthly joy?

This is Alex at the Paley event in Los Angeles, before the cancellation of Moonlight. So much energy and hope. So. Much. Heartfelt. Hard. Work. It makes everything so much more poignant. I can't imagine we will see its like again.

* I cannot attribute photos because I don't recall. I hope the authors come forward but meanwhile, you guys rock!

Alex O'Loughlin and Sincerity

2008-05-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

What is your favourite picture of Alex? Hard to choose, I know! But this is mine.

It's probably one of the least flattering photos of a man who can't take a bad picture.
But I love it because it reveals something about him that others don't.

In every photo I've ever seen of him, he is always, to some extent, "on". There are lots of funny pix where he's goofy; he makes a lot of people laugh. He's the class clown.

Then there are the professional "character" pix where he's basically modelling, and clearly portraying some interchangeable sexy, vapid, but hot guy with great hair, great abs, and bad boy tattoos. There is no character, but he does project an image, usually of someone you want to...what? Take home and meet your mother?

I love this pic of him for two reasons. Firstly, because it's in relation to Sophia. It's clear they have an easy camaraderie. They are also pros who highly esteem each other's work. Sophia exposed the dynamics and quality of their working relationship when she said,

It’s a fantastic duo. We both make the other one better. It’s like playing a really good game of tennis every day. We’re competitive, but it’s good, we kind of raise each other’s game.

This means they inspire each other and challenge each other to great acting heights, and just riff off each other, like any great jazz musician. I imagine it's quite a rush. Though no one can explain the mysteries of chemistry.

I like this pic because she's leaning back towards him, and he's curved towards her.

It's also as if they were caught in the midst of a motion and it wasn't purposeful. And that gives us a frozen moment of time in-between where perhaps they are more themselves.

So, secondly, what does that moment of Alex in-between tell us? He has a small smile, like the Mona Lisa. It's a moment of vulnerability. No act. No projection. A moment of being caught between the role-playing, even before potential. He looks like an exposed human being. It is a tender picture, a tender stance, in which he looks like a small and defenceless creature, a snapshot of an inner moment, without the trappings.

It is the nexus of sincerity. Sincerity is not a hot commodity these days. We live in a culture of irony and cynicism- of snark. Snark has nothing to do with wit. Or play. Or silliness. Snark is often mean and self-referential. It's about the cachet of snark, and not about the love of words. It distances oneself and others from honest feeling. It's also an end in itself, and reflects a culture that worships the negative and the dark.

And yet, in his interviews, no one is as earnest as Alex is. Whether it's about his love and passion for his character, Mick, or for the themes that run through Moonlight, his love for "my little show, our little show", or even his love for his fans, you know it's pure- you know it's true and from the heart and that he's given thoughtful consideration to everything. And although he has his moments of wit (not irony) in interviews, he is never condescending or self-referential, and honestly has a good and optimistic outlook on life.

And the fans love him for it. Adore him for it. Worship him for it. Think he is "adorable".

Yet I also see a lot of those same fans continue to worship the dark and cynical as if it carried way more prestige and power than simple earnestness. They want that in their celluloid heroes, go figure, and perhaps that's a reflection of their lives and culture.

Ironically, Alex brings that earnestness to the character of Mick. As did the initial writing team. I see him still fighting for it, in the character- when Mick looks down for an eternity with profound guilt and shame after Beth catches him with a freshie in Episode 1.16, Sonata. I suppose he could have "embraced his inner vampire" and made some smart remark, a la Josef. But Alex shows that to Mick, it is a naked bestial act when suddenly illuminated by the presence and gaze of the woman he loves. Alex keeps Mick honest, transcendent, regardless of all the lousy writing and direction in most of the last 4 Eps.

So, I love this picture of Alex, because it reveals him in that moment in-between that transports us to the Mick I love and adore, to someone with a pure heart.

Episode 1.15 What's Left Behind

2008-05-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

It's pretty terrible when you can't think of anything to write about an episode. It's terrible because the first 12 episodes of Moonlight were chock full of wonderings, and edge of your seat suspense and revelation, with, at the very least, one scene per episode that blew my mind. Consider the sumptuous balcony scene in 12.04, the naturalistic "I'm a vampire" moment at the end of Out of the Past, the hug of all hugs at the end of No Such Thing As Vampires, the kiss at the end of Arrested Development. Even the hot mess that was Fated to Pretend had a heart wrenching scene with Josef and Mick, with Mick's re-Turning. In fact, it seems to me that Mick and Josef are more in love than MickBeth these days. That other noisy, hot mess that was Click, had nothing to recommend it. And in comparison to it, What's Left Behind just seems prosaic.

Prosaic procedural. Like CSI with a guy who happens to be a vampire. And who isn't doing much vamping out, either. Where the issue of Mick's vampirism used to be central to each story, now he just uses his vamp superpowers to kick ass or catch the bad guy. Any tension between the use of his powers and his own desire are gone. Mick is copacetic with being a vamp. There is no longer any need to explore the subterranean recesses of his mind that recoiled from vampirism and its consequences. He's a happy guy now, and doesn't really seem to have any inner life beyond descriptive voice overs. The voice overs no longer expose his inner life because, well, now he hasn't got one.

He seems to have lost that loving feeling as well. He and Josef have it in spades, but when it comes to Beth, you no longer know what he's thinking, or if he's thinking anything. He's just busy being happy and living in the human world. In this ep, his happiness got interrupted by feelings of guilt and then feelings of sadness. Guilt that he slept with his best friend's wife, implying that he committed adultery, had betrayed his bud. Well, it turns out the bud was still alive, not dead as Mick thought, so that's why he felt guilty. Even though he thought said bud was dead. So, he made a mountain out of a mole hill. Mick becomes a drama queen. And with all that guilt, he must have been religious at one time. You never know.

Still, it's a poignant moment if you can find it amidst the clutter of happiness and averageness. The man is so sensitive to those he loves, and so honourable, that he'll beat himself up for anything he considers even the smallest infraction. Aww. It magnifies the obstacles between Mick and Beth somewhat, and directs them away from the current pop psych of "intimacy issues", towards the greater and more interesting issue of morality and conscience. Now that's epic. And at least Mick has not thrown out his conscience with his human being (unlike Beth).

On the other hand, when Beth tells him that it was okay, because it was love, it seemed like a non-sequitur. Was the "affair" okay because he loved Lilah, or was it "okay" because anything is okay if there is love? Which sends shivers down my spine, because, what if Beth believes it, that anything is okay for love, like murder, and now, betrayal? Whereas Mick still hangs in with a moral centre, Beth's seems to be drifting, or perhaps hers was never that well defined to begin with. So, thank you, Jill Blotevogel, for restoring Mick's morality to front and centre.

Perhaps this episode would have had more impact, been more meaningful, if the other 2 eps had not preceded it (and traumatised me). The baby talk between Mick and Beth seemed jarring when it shouldn't have felt like that to me. It came from left field but was very much consistent with Beth's character to be forward and blunt, while there's a subtext of feeling and feeling Mick out going on. They're wary and feeling each other out on a topic that obviously has crossed their minds. They're like, "we're a couple but we won't admit we're a couple but we're thinking about sex and babies all. the. time (though not marriage...hmmm..)" It's confusing to me that in the last two eps they've been doing the dating thing, and in this ep it's like they're largely back to being who they were before the hot mess. I'm getting whiplash.

I liked that Mick had never considered having a family. Had never regretted it because it just never came up. Faced with the possibility of a son, he felt the stirring of longing and hope. The look on his face when he would encounter Robert then, so sure that Robert was his...of such fascination and tenderness. Going all fatherly, too. So subtle. Okay, Alex is good. And the only real sense I got of Mick and Beth as MickBeth was when Beth brushed his hair with her fingers when he learned that Robert was not his, and realised, that yes, now it was a regret.

Things I'm hating:

1. I loved Beth as a reporter for a sleazy online mag. I haven't seen that one done before. And Beth had to struggle with her own ambition in not crossing that line into sensationalism; she also had to manage to juggle the idea of an expose with more serious news. She was largely her own woman and got to investigate the stories which fed her curiosity. I loved the trenchant take on tabloids as well and how she doesn't fit in.

Now she's going to be a "civilian investigator"? What makes her different from other female characters on tv now? And what background does she have that is plausible. This is so lame.

2. The Mick and Beth relationship- the inconsistency. I don't know what a shipper is. I've liked the whole MickBeth thing because it was part and parcel of the story, but not the only story. There was balance. They were integrated into the whole. Half the time, now, I don't know who they are. I don't care if they smooch or hold hands; all I care about it something that makes sense to me and not something that feels out of kilter.

It's almost as if no one can decide what this show is to be. These are more than stand alone episodes. They might as well be in different tv series. I would like to think that there is a thread running thru each episode that is leading up to something, and I used to be sure, in the past, that it would. Now, I don't know.

What's Left Behind was way better than the last two eps, but something is missing. Where are MickBeth? There wasn't one truly compelling scene between them, and in this ep, I don't think it was the writing.

3. And here is my biggest beef- apart from the loss of grand themes (for the time being only, I hope) it's the loss of noir. People tend to think it's just a visual style, but after noir got axed I realised how essential it was to the dramatic telling of the stories, how it made everything seem grand and compelling. It gave characters a greater presence and import. Everything seemed important.

Noir is not just about some shadows and lighting, it is about a consistent tone, a voice- it's a character in itself. It worked, IMO, fabulously well in ML and raised it above all other tv shows. It's an element that unconsciously sucked you in- got a grip on you and transported you into another world completely. It succeeded. It was genius. Without it, everything and everyone seems less suggestive of mysterious depths. Mick seems so average, just a PI working on a case and using his vamp powers for good. In the first 12 eps, he was way more than that. Now he's just another TV hero.

Episode 1.14 - Click, Redux: Anything For Love

2008-05-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I rewatched the episode, finally.

It still is meh- the only one great shot of mick is when he's walking into Guillermo's freezer to see him to talk about Tierney's murder- there he looks like the old Mick, a mysterious vamp- in the shadows- it gives him great presence.

For the rest of the ep he was rather ordinary- Mick and Beth were ok and their awkwardness is ok but all the glances at each other- was a bit much for me- i dunno- it wasn't the same as before- i think the scene near the end where he's looking at her with such tenderness is heartmelting, but by this time i'm disaffected so it doesn't get to me like it should.

Why do i get the feeling Mick and Beth are being set up?

How does the pap know to be around when Mick gets hit by the car?

Who sends the pix to Talbot and why? Also the dossier on Mick is looking like more than one page....

Foreshadowing happens thruout the ep when various people talk about doing anything for love (Mick to Abbot about Tierney), killing for love (Mick to I forget who at the moment), doing anything for love- the example of Tierney taking care of her mom who killed her husband in a fit of passion, and keeping her privacy even when Tierney is blackmailed, of paying for everything to star in that film ... there must be more- the only thing that wasn't mentioned was dying for love, which Mick has already done.

The title should have been 'anything for love'.

When Beth orders the hit on the pap, and at one point she says to Josef "we" meaning it is clear she is complicit in the guy's death, 4 thoughts ran thru my mind:

1) it will go the way of mafia type shows where ordering hits is part of the family business and Beth does cross that line and becomes just like most vamps (so, turn her already).

2) the lost boys were ordered by someone else to kill the pap before Josef puts out the hit- it's setting up Beth in some way and with the pix Talbot has, setting up Mick in some way.
2a) or the lost boys wanted the pap's territory and so they took him out
3) Josef's lackeys really did it
4) it's all a dream, a feverish hallucination that Mick is having under the influence of the compound

When Beth orders the execution of the pap, geezus i almost cried- i felt sick to my stomach.....i'm hoping it is all something that doesn't come true and Beth will have to face how far she is willing to go.

Mick tells her that he would have to move away if he were in danger of being exposed- she tells Josef she thinks the pap will never stop- it seems so plausible, and she's paying Mick back for all the times he protected her- i almost bought it....she definitely will do anything for love....

i think that if this is not addressed, Beth's decision, i won't be able to watch ML with any kind of heart from then on, and i think in time i would drop out....if it is not put right in some manner....even if the hit didn't happen because of her, she needs to experience the fallout- i can't get past it, i realise,

One other thing: how could Beth sit there so sweetly and comfortably having dinner with Mick after having put a hit out on someone? even if she thinks she's protecting Mick, why is she not a mess? and people have the nerve to say she has balls....more like she's content with her decision and hardened at the cost of her humanity....or just a very good actress.

Moonlight, right now, is no longer stylish or elegant; its tone is just plain noisy.

Oh, and not a single voice over!

Episode 1.14 - Click

2008-05-03T01:14:00.000-07:00

I hated this ep. Where did Moonlight go? I didn't "sign on" to watch a CBS detective show. The plot? Blahhhhhhhhhhhhh. Who cares? Near the second half of the show I started not to pay any attention to it. Why should I? It meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. It was filler. The last quarter of the show was the only part that caught my interest, and that wasn't enough.

I watch Moonlight for:

the vampire stuff - tonight? barely there;

the incredible chemistry between Mick and Beth - tonight? there was none. NONE! alas;

the suspense that often keeps me on the edge of my sofa - tonight on the edge of my sofa? my cat.

And how is it that Mick can ride around in a topless convertible and not try to shade his head from the sun? How is it that he can stand around and even sit in the sun without shading himself? And a minor point, I guess, but what was going on with his hair? It's been hard for me to figure out what bothered me about it, but it did.

The last quarter of the show--finally there is something to talk about. I was flabbergasted that Beth would ask Joseph to have the photographer killed. I don't recall his name. It wasn't worth remembering. She wanted it done, but she couldn't say the words. And she asks for his murder, for that is what it was. Why? Because she doesn't want Mick to leave town! to move away! to leave her! She wasn't doing it to keep him safe because Mick said that if he ever got found out he would just change his name and move. It was no big deal to him, although I suspect it would be if he had known that his big secret had been found out. And that would have brought up an interesting scenario. Would he kill the photographer himself? Would he dare tell Beth that he had? We'll never know now, as Beth took matters into her own hands.

So now she has a big secret, one she can't tell Mick. Why do you think? I refer to my paragraph above for the answer. What would Mick think of her? And now she has asked Joseph to keep a secret from Mick. I see nothing good in this situation. I see disaster, because I'm not sure what else to call it. But Trouble with a capital T is ahead. And you know what this reminds me of? A soap opera. Soaps run on lies; it's what keeps them going year after year after year. I didn't sign on for a soap either.

Mick will find out about this, eventually. I can only imagine the distress that he will go through when he does.

And one last thing. The only surprise worthy of the show? Talbot has the pix of Mick. That got me on the edge of my seat. At last.

This may be the first Moonlight ep that I don't buy from iTunes. Not sure yet, but what would I miss by not buying it? In the opening act next week, they will review the end of the show. I will see the only part worth keeping.

P.S.: Lafluffy has reminded me that these 4 new eps are stand-alones. I've never seen the names of the writers for this ep before tonight. I hope it's the last time. But because these are stand-alone eps, I don't feel as discouraged about Moonlight. Perhaps next season they will get back on track. I will hold thoughts about the next 3 eps, but I will not hope. I must say that the preview for the remaining eps was quite good.

I can see that I hate-stand alone eps.

ADDENDUM

Oops! Forgot something. A lost opportunity for a terrific scene, as in earlier eps, involving Mick and Beth. The scene: Beth is invited to sleep on the couch. Mick goes upstairs to sleep in his freezer. You mean to say that neither of them had any thoughts about creeping down/up the stairs to take a look at the other? And if they did, why didn't the writers give that to us? Geez, that reminds of Black Crystal. The writers gave it all to us there. In this ep we're left with nothing!

I can imagine Beth slowly going up the stairs, hesitantly, perhaps even looking at the freezer. And Mick? Would he perhaps go to the top of stairs, or the door? Turn around and go back to freezer? (I would have made both scenarios happen, along with the thoughts while they lay in their respective beds.)

I want my Moonlight backkkkkkkkkkkk!

LaFluffy:

The first 12 eps., what I'll have to call "Classic Moonlight" now, spoke to my heart. This one especially, didn't. And what really shocks me is Beth's ordering of the murder of a guy who is a sleazebag, but not any of the people Mick usually knocks off. He's not a criminal, not a murderer, and as much I think paparazzi are pondscum, he doesn't deserved to be murdered for uncovering something.

And it is more shocking for me to read that fans are okay with it. They justify it by saying if someone threatened their loved ones they wouldn't hesitate. But no one's life is on the line. Vampires are always in danger of being exposed. There are more creative ways to take care of the problem than simple murder. I swear this is turning into the Buffy show, where people die left and right, and there are no boundaries to what is right and what is wrong.

This show used to have a moral centre. Mick was it. Without it, it's just another postmodern heap of ambiguity and non-commital chaos, where no one takes responsibility for their actions and when they do, it's only to justify it. If the Mick I loved still existed, I would expect him to kick her ass to the curb and it would be a long, long time before I'd let her back into my life. I hope he does that in the season ending.

I have lost all respect for Beth. To do anything for love, to sacrifice anything for love, including your soul? That's just teen angst and romance and so unworthy of "Classic Moonlight". Why not just turn her into a vamp and be done with it. I'm so depressed.

And you're right, LTU, soap operas are built on lies. I'm speechless.

The only way this can be a seriously brilliant twist is if it turns out that it is Beth who is in need of redemption (I don't think Mick is, never have. He was redeemed when he chose to save Beth as a little girl, and thus, began turning his life around).

Fangoria II - My PhotoOp with Alex

2008-04-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Fangoria

2008-04-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

As you know, I went to Fangoria on Sunday at the Los Angeles Convention Center to see Alex, Sophia, and Jason (it was an easy 30-minute drive.) When I went to the registration booth with my con ticket, I had to decide whether I wanted a photo taken with any of the cast and/or wanted to get their autographs. The photo op was $40 a piece and the signatures were $20 a piece. I knew I was going to buy a photo with Alex, but had a hard time deciding what else to buy. My short supply of money meant that I'd get signatures from Alex and Sophia and that was it. The desk gives you a picture of each for the signatures, and you can only use these Warner Bros. pictures.

The photo ops were scheduled to begin at 5pm, and since I arrived at 3pm, I headed for the exhibit room of gore and what-not (this was my first horror con). It was about as I expected: tables manned by actors selling their stuff; horror audio, video, and tees; costumed fans; posters and pix, etc.

I didn't recognize most of the actors but occasionally I recognized their names on the front of their tables. And was surprised. They were older than I'd last seen them, which was years ago. The first actor that I recognized (after first viewing his name) was Wm. Forsythe from the cancelled Fox tv show John Doe. Bill played Digger, the bartender/bar owner, who may have been a good guy but then again maybe not. The last ep had you wondering. And then came cancellation. As I enjoyed the show, I stopped to talk to him a while and take his picture too (he's a pleasant man). For those who watched John Doe, he said that he had expected the show to get a second season and was surprised that it didn't. He added that after it's cancellation, no Fox show in the next year received ratings as high as John Doe had. Aren't the Suits smart? Here's his pic and a few more.

Willliam "Bill" Forsythe from "John Doe"

Brian O'Halloran from "Clerks"

James McNaughton from "American Werewolf in London"

Richard Kiel, Jaws in James Bond movies

As I exited the exhibit room, I ran into a few people from Moonlight Line. I wish I'd written down their names immediately because now I don't recall the names of everyone. I'll do my best: leeser/Lisa and her son Kevin, buzzwire/Nikki, purplelady, and tink/Marcie. Feel free to leave me a comment as to who else was there.

My PhotoOp with Alex deserves a post of its own.

Moonlight Locations 4: Greenie's Bar

2008-03-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

Having no map, and being lackadaisical in our adventures, at least we knew the Santa Monica Pier like the back of our hand. Greenie's translates into Big Dean's Cafe. It's situated upon the beach, tucked away along a strand of little shops. When you're walking onto the pier, it's on your left side and down. Just past the bridge. It's been around since 1902 and seen a lot of celebrities and filming in its day.

Major shout out to the fellow there (whose name I don't recall), because he was so friendly and a fount of information!

Not knowing what to expect, we ended up here, in the back yard, not near the ocean breezes, but it was quiet. Food was good and the service fabulous. The thrill rated a 1000 %!

Here, we see in the background, where Mick ran out. Yeah, he ran into this courtyard, there in the distance. (Click on pix to enlarge)

And here we are, not so distant. He ran thru this doorway.

Then he turned to his left and ran directly towards the mens' restroom.

"Cherish" and the arrested adolescent vamp were seated here: (Yeah, we sat in those seats.) Thanks to the friendly fellow who made our day.
Not only did we sit in the spots where the vamp and his chick sat, but we learned about production from the nice guy at Big Dean's.

ML took over half a day to set up. It took way less than that to film. Among all the memorabilia on the wall, there is a coloured, signed portrait of the cast. Trust me, it stands out.
It was a total thrill . And Mick came thru the front entrance to the left (largely unseen). Mick DNA everywhere! We didn't get a photo of the restroom doorway which turns out to be the actual one used according to our 'source'. Amazing that they filmed it there because it's a squeeze.

Moonlight Locations 3: Fortress of Style.

2008-03-27T10:53:00.001-07:00

We're not in the habit of being organised all the time. We just happened to be out doing something else and decided on the spur of the moment- hey, let's go downtown and try to find Mick's building! It's kinda crazy, cause there are a lot of buildings in downtown LA, and we were clueless.

Remembering that One Wilshire, which shows up in the aerial photos, was across from the FoS, we easily found it.
We wandered further afield, and discovered the most architecturally gorgeous streets! I had no idea!

Mostly Art Deco, tall, wide, soaring buildings cheek by jowl, buildings with gargoyles, ornate friezes, scrolling, deco'ing, a lot of pink and terracotta, massive, so fantastic. It's another hidden gem in LA. We knew we must be close. This was all discovery, which is the most exciting thing about not knowing what you're doing.

And then we saw it. In the distance...
Squeeeee!

It was a thrill! Totally. Mick has good taste :). Seeing it IRL really makes a difference to how you experience the show afterwards.

Click on the pix and imagine Lance. With gargoyles- only fitting. Now imagine MickBeth out on the balcony. Without gargoyles. Pure Deco. Imagine the music....Why did you run/Why did you run/When I’m right here...

And here's a bonus: Yep. One dark and not so stormy night, when that psycho Lee Jay Spalding, in Ep 1.02, breaks into Mick's lair and ends up calling the cops on him and Mick grabs his bags o'blood and whooshes outta there as only a vampire can....he meets up with Josef right in front of this building, where he gives him his stash and they discuss how Mick screws everything up! Such cool vamps, too, cause in that scene, they've got cool cars. No cool cars, here, alas. Just the building. And Mick and Josef DNA....

Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the LA Philharmonic Orchestra.

Moonlight Locations 2: Hollywood Forever Cemetery

2008-03-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

In Ep 1.07, The Ringer, Mick hits the cemetery with Coraline to check out if Hank Mottola is really, truly, dead as a doornail, and not merely partially dead.

This is the Hollywood Cathedral Mausoleum (where Valentino is ensconced, and which we missed cause we forgot our map in the truck! Ya'd think the glaringly named and obvious "Valentino Section" might have given us a clue. Duh.) in Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This cemetery is the most gorgeous graveyard I have ever seen. It's lush, and the headstones are varied and personalised. Massive architectural bouquets of flowers tower thruout spots on the grounds, just like you would expect in a graveyard with movie stars. And as a bonus, there are peacocks wandering around, and hanging out in the mausoleums, like little jewels studding the marble landscape. It's very much worth the trip!

In the scene where Mick is on the case, searching for Mottola's cremains, he's got purpose, he's got determination, he's got style. In actual fact, he just kept pacing back and forth, back and forth, here, in the "Hall of Prophets", who are in reality, philosophers. Back and forth, back and forth.....the marvels of film-making...like magic. Still, a total thrill! And yeah, he did run out that door.

Hmmm.....is this Hank Mottola's empty niche? You be the judge.

Mick runs down these steps, chasing Mottola. Actually, he makes a flying leap.

He tackles Mottola at the pond.
The water is turgid. No way did Alex's pretty head ever skim the surface!

Here's the bonus: click on this photo (and the next). There is the Hollywood sign in the distance. This place is lush and fantastical. It's all magic. Gorgeous. You can hold the Griffith Observatory in the palm of your hand.

If you want a piece of Hollywood, this is it.

*By the way, after scouring the entire grounds, we never did find the spot where Josh's funeral took place in Ep 1.12, The Mortal Cure

Moonlight Locations 1: We Take a Drive - The Motel

2008-03-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today (Feb 25/08) we went to the desert location of the Four Aces Motel, seen in MoonLight Episode 1.4 - FEVER.

Before heading off on a long trip, I looked up the web site for the motel and found a phone number to call for information.

Ring Ring!

Hi, we'd like to visit the set of the motel, as a scene from our favorite show was shot there.

It's Moonlight. On CBS.

Just two of us.

You don't normally allow people to come on the set?

Sure, we'd be quiet. We just want to look around, take pictures.

So you're excited that we're that interested.

Thanks a lot, JP. We'll look for Frank to show us around. Thanks again.

Click. Squeeeeeeeee!

We're going.

About an hour into our drive through the desert (Joshua trees popping up here, there, and everywhere), lafluffy says, "There! There! I see it! Up there!" I couldn't see it, but she had noticed the bright colors of the set off the road a ways, higher up. We backtracked and found an unmarked road that would take us up to the motel. Eeeeeeeek. Can't help it. So exciting.

To enlarge them, click on the pictures below.

We arrive, lafluffy and I.

Four Aces & a Joshua tree.

Filming on the set

The diner and that special doorway
Standing where his dna tread, the diner doorway

Inside the diner

It's still there , the ice machine

Alex O'Loughlin and Acting

2008-03-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

I can never get over how thoughtful Alex is (I do have trouble getting past the pretty), and how completely he understands not only the overriding vision of ML, but especially his character. Also, it is one thing to understand and another to portray your understanding. And Alex does it amazingly. When he talks about his character, I find myself nodding my head saying "yes, yes yes!" What he envisions and what I see are the same thing. That kind of consummate acting renders me speechless.

I also think he makes Mick way more gorgeous and compelling visually and emotionally than he might be himself. Like I've said, he brings a real vitality to the character (and who is undead, yet!). He disappears into the role and summons up its truth. This is greatness.

I also love that he mentioned that the show has integrity. This is something that matters to me, and clearly is attractive to him.

On another note- Alex has a quality of stillness that is so Zen-like in the way he inhabits the character of Mick. It is so quiet it is easy to miss. You can see it in all its unfolding beauty when he is sitting in an armchair or on a couch.

Adoring Beth Turner

2008-03-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

I adore Beth.

I love her curiosity, her drive, her outspokenness, her crazy fearlessness. She is willful and I like that; it will also get her into a lot of trouble.

And she is compassionate and knows how to be a friend. She is touchy-feely, which I adore; it's rare to see that on tv- it's always about sex. She has a sense of humour and can be transported by the moment.

She isn't afraid to make the first move. And she isn't afraid to go where angels fear to tread. She accepts the shocking, and embraces it. She challenges and questions. What's not to like???? She's pretty innocent when it comes to real passion (until she met Mick), which makes her all the more appealing.

That she staked Coraline???? Geeeez, I was so shocked, and so amazed; yes, she would do it, I realised. For someone traumatised so young she is so brave. She is headstrong which gets her into trouble, too. The only gripe I have is that her apartment sucks- it's so bland. Mick gets this Fortress of Style and she gets beige on white on pastel. Yeck!

I adored Ep 1.09, Fleur de Lis, where she just acted out all her trauma and her rage- loved it! All the crazy things she said to Mick- all the jealousy she exhibited. I loved her dark side, just loved it. We all have it and it was wonderful to see an admirable female protagonist portrayed as less than saintly.

She's also good at rescue.

Meanwhile, Coraline, the spider, clings to her long gone ex-hubby like the jilted lover she is. A victim of love. Obsessed and nasty. A woman scorned. A wuss in vampire's clothing. (Don't get me wrong- as a villain she is looking to be awesome- I adore her villainy!).

If Beth were not admirable and likable and interesting, with failings, I would not be watching this show, no matter how hot I think Alex is. Beth is the yang to Mick's yin.

Should They Have Sex? After The Mortal Cure Ep. 1.12

2008-03-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

Someone on moonlightline.com wondered what Mick and Beth were thinking in that final shot of them at Josh's funeral. What their future held. Hell if I know! But then you think about what you know about the characters and the writing so far. So I replied:

I think that Mick knew his time was limited, but he was there, in the light, alive with life and hope, even if it is for a short time. Mick is so good at living in the moment, savouring life. And he was there, with Beth. He got to be totally human (and mortal), and he went directly to be with Beth. What does that tell us about his priorities and desires?

As for Beth, I think she was still living the death. Kind of a reversal of roles- Mick into life, Beth dealing with death, for a change.

All this sets up an interesting future Ep. I am just so content at the fact that there is hope and room for possibility, that even if his mortality lasted a few more hours, I'm excited by the thought that it won't go as we think might be planned. I love the fact that it all feels so authentic, realistic. That it stays within the realm of magical realism- where the ordinary becomes extraordinary- Mick's vampirism heightens and clarifies their relationship, and makes it immensely compelling, fascinating, heartrending and ecstatic. Roller coaster ride indeed!

I can't wait to see what the writers do next! Cause the one thing I am totally sure of, is that Mick and Beth, not matter what happens, are a solid duo/oneness on every level imaginable. That has been established. They just don't know it yet. And it's that revelation, to them, that I am dying to see. I like the idea that they need to see their own attraction and oneness and love unfurl to the point where they finally awaken to it all and wear their love like heaven.

Yeah it would be nice if they kissed some more or made love or whatever....but I look upon the foreplay here as a dance of ambivalence, and their gradual awakening to life and to each other as the most remarkable and fascinating aspect of this very unconventional telling of their story and romance.

Josef, Keeper of the Vampire Nation: BC, Ep 1.06

2008-03-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

I've always given short shrift to Josef. I love the character, but he seems kinda weaselly to me. Definitely hedonistic and self-involved.

I love the fact that he is so copacetic with his vampirism- acceptance and celebration. In fact, he attributes his discovery of his one true love to his longevity as a vampire. It's all good as far as he is concerned. And that he is a caring friend to Mick- there is no doubt in my mind.

Still, he is secretive. Perhaps he is protecting Mick, who knows.

I didn't really understand Josef till BC (Ep 1.06). I only saw this Ep for the first time a week ago. And then everything fell into place.

Josef is the Keeper of the Vampire Nation. He had tears in his eyes when Lola, the ancient vampire, met her death. He mourns her with remembrance and eulogy. Wowza, that was so weird! But then I remember that he had tears in his eyes when Beth and he discussed Coraline's death Fleur de Lis, Ep 1.09), a total conundrum at the time of viewing. Omigosh there were tears. Like, why the tears?

Josef is not worried about his own extinction- he is worried about the extinction of the vampire nation....evidence of his seeming paranoia is scattered across the episodes. I see now that it is not only paranoia, but that Josef cares, about a way of life. Of course, Mick, like us, only sees paranoia.

Maybe his view is akin to the Mafia, with their system of honour and rules, but I like to think it's more than that. Josef wants people whacked so that the vampire nation can survive. He really loves it, and honours the history. He wants Mick to see that, too. Damn, I think I love the man.....erm....vamp. For now.

Sappy Sleeping Beauty ? Episode 1.10

2008-03-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

Someone posted this on another board, likening MickBeth's romance to Josef and Sarah. Well, look beyond the surface and you see so much more.

Sleeping Beauty" also had a lot of stuff going unsaid between Mick and Beth... but it was simple and predictable: they were thinking that their situation parallels Josef and Sarah and... that's it. No mystery. So the writing didn't feel as strong (at least, to me).

I saw that differently. Major subtext for me here. Beth's current inner life was exposed thru the Sarah and Josef love story (her naivete particularly [and starkly] thru the lipstick smooch on the diary).

Mick, on the other hand, was a bit of an enigma. He didn't give her any swoony, meaningful looks. He never, ever responded to Beth's glances at him while Josef was explaining what went down with Sarah. Mick's unfolding was in the realisation that even a hardened vamp like Josef was capable of some kind of love. Mick is naive, too, but in a different way; and he had lost hope. Josef's story was a release for him, rather than something that paralleled his life- that was not the emphasis. Mick has hope, but hope for what? We don't know. Hope for connection, at the very least. But most importantly Josef's story somehow rekindles possibility for Mick's own life. And he finally decides to go for it. In spite of all the fears and horrors and reasons why it could never work roiling thru his mind and heart.

Moreover, he never responded to Beth in a swoony way because as Josef is telling the story, Mick never, for a single instance, gives thought to turning Beth. There is never a reaction to indicate that this is what he is thinking. And in fact, the facts warn both of them that there can be unpredictable consequences, dire consequences . It is Beth who has been thinking about being turned; in Mick's mind that reality is simply not possible. Mick is adamant about that, always has been, it's part of who he is- it's non-negotiable (even tho he may entertain the thought). It's confirmed later on when he refuses to turn Josh, in the face of the most heart-rending pleas from the woman he cares about most in the world..

And it's my impression that when he is so joyous, it is his release we see, and the flood of light and aliveness that comes with it. His inner life is right there, in his responses to Josef, in his later response to Beth. The desire to hang out with Beth had way more to do with feeling free to feel what he does than any parallel love story. Beth, on the other hand, had to step back and reassess. The SarahJosef love story had consequences (ones which Mick already understood, far too well).

This story mirrors Beth's inner life, her desire, her fantasy, but not Mick's, and it doesn't remotely begin to mirror the MickBeth story except on the surface.

Mick Amongst the Flowers: Fever Ep 1.04

2008-02-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

This is another episode I'm having trouble talking about. When you have something akin to an out of body experience while watching the last two acts, especially the Mick and Beth scene, it makes you stop and go, hmmmm.

So, this story is moving along at a conventional pace, a little different from later Eps where the show comes on like gangbusters from the beginning. I feel as if I'm walking through a meadow, singing tra-la-la-la, and picking daisies. And then in the 3rd and 4th acts, bam, I'm hit by a Mack truck. In a meadow. Among the daisies! Absolutely compelling, to the degree that I must have left my body at some point.

I am also aware that this is the first Ep I remember watching, in glimpses, really, because I was so exhausted; in fact, I fell asleep somewhere in there and clearly never woke up. I was only watching the show because BFF was raving about it, anyway.

And then BFF emails me a week later and says, "I dunno about the voice over, he sounds wooden"; I didn't think so. Then later, "There's something missing with this actor, I can't put my finger on it, but he's not very good". I respond, "He lacks Presence". This, after watching tatters of Fever, all the while barely conscious. Heck, I didn't even notice the hair!

Well this much is true: he lacked Presence because I wasn't really present the first time around. But, maybe, he also lacked the kind of presence we expect in the lead- you know, that Mick vitality that's been growing Ep after Ep? Alex played the "delicate flower" so well he had me fooled. He took an unexpected actorial detour somewhere, and I did not follow. Duh. It was there from the beginning....he was so subdued.

Fading away, I call it. Like when, for whatever reason, you and the rare one you love and trust are not in contact for a while. It took a week for Beth to ring him up- he was worried that he had scared her off with his gruesome marital revelations. Sensitive soul. Then he had to suffer the indignity of Josh's presence in his sanctuary. Beth had not come for him, but for Josh's sake, albeit reluctantly. He was irked. And subdued. Ends up wandering in his own heated and delirious wilderness: "this is where we go our separate ways". Disconnected, yet later, still trying to get a signal.

Meanwhile, he's not exactly delicate when it comes to Leni's feelings, at first. "He has a name. Jack". Nor understands the origins of that second heartbeat. Until he really listens, really empathises. As he told Beth, who stressed that he handle Leni carefully, be reassuring, this was "not my forte". Uh. Yeah. Clearly, Mick has been alone too much. And maybe too much with the guys.

So, where was the hotness that was Mick? More and more heavily veiled, the more heated and feverish he got. Well, I guess it was for the sake of art, and the naked outcome made up for his nomadic attire. Naked emotion, that is. Thank heavens for Leni and her mothering instincts!

Okay, on the surface, The Mick/Beth Scene had it all- eroticism, intimacy, closeness, kindness, fear, sacrifice, a redemptive quality which I reject, because I don't think Mick needs redeeming by Beth. What I'm seeing is Mick going back to the future. And becoming newborn. Unlike his unwilling and traumatic entry into the cold vampire universe where his craving is nurtured by the likes of that mother, Coraline, he gets to enter a world of thrilling warmth where Beth's blood and caring provides the bridge and satisfies his hunger not only for life but for connection. He has been more than regenerated; with Beth's untainted compassion and blood to quicken his lifeless heart, he is becoming someone he has never been before, someone new. And clearly, when he gets out of the water, someone freshly revived and extra hot. And very clean. Or is that, cleansed?

What I love about this Ep is seeing Mick reduced to being a delicate flower. There is a kind of humility about it, especially in Mick's acceptance of it (kudos to Alex!). He is fragile in so many areas- not just about his survival, but in his feelings and in the stunted affects of his aloneness. Oddly enough, I think that it is Mick's triumphant realisation that indeed, he is a delicate flower of a non-vampire sort as well, that even in a fever, his bestial dreams did not come true, he did not bite or feed on Leni, that is his salvation; and he sees that mirrored in Beth's eyes and smile and words. Just like a mother's.

There was great delicacy in the way their scenes were acted; I don't know how these actors can get so inside the characters and pull out such stunning truth. And they do it without any sort of melodrama. There is certainly a spare delicacy in the way it was written. And a delicacy in the way it was photographed and directed- spare, spare, and all rouged and golden light, the patterned window echoing the exotic screens of Mick's seraglio-like home, aka, The Fortress of Style.

So, this was my out of body experience: you know how certain events bring inexplicable tears .... a baby's being born, a couple marrying- they can be strangers...inexplicable because there is no reason though you could mention reasons. In Mick's case, you could be crying because of the sacrifice, or because he's being redeemed, or because he is dying and she saves him, because you identify either with him or her, because it's the most romantic thing you've ever seen....or you simply find tears rolling down your cheeks like you do when you find yourself in the presence of some human life event...out of awe. For me, it just happens that Beth and Mick joined the great stream of life at the moment- water and blood the nexus for eternity, and I joined with them. Tears were sliding down my face because I was witnessing a birth and it was Beth who facilitated that birth. Heck, I may have been the ethereal midwife!

At first I found the words at the end extraneous, jarring. Mick says in voice over: "Maybe it was her blood in my veins that let me feel her, the beating of her very living heart...Or maybe we've always been connected". But perhaps it's not so crazy or just impossibly romantic. Like Leni whose blood nourished her child and its wild beating heart, gave it life, Beth's blood was giving life to Mick. Perhaps it is the connection we all share when we touch eternity- true immortality- where we are more than lovers or friends, but family, too. It's a bond that can never be broken, once you experience it.

So, Mick decides, "Either way, being near me puts her in danger." Why does he feel that way? It's like he said about Leni once he realised there was a second fragile heart that beat alongside hers, yet was part of her as well : "You knew it wasn't just your life you were risking anymore". Mick experiences Beth and himself now, as that close. So, I finally understand that it's not more angst on his part but genuine fear. My, oh my, our Mick is blossoming so finely. And such a gorgeous desert bloom!

On the Threshold of Trembling Possibility: The Mortal Cure Ep 1.12

2008-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

Before I talk about how we don't need another hero, I want to just to reiterate what I mentioned in another thread:

I can stand a bunch of months without ML, knowing that TPTB did not abandon the fans to a miserable fate. I don't feel deprived. I feel there was much honour in this ep. And integrity. Not a sell out. No manipulation of the fans. Major kudos to all involved. I am in love.

I am crazy in love after this episode! When your heart is this full, the words don't come easily. I still can't find the words....

So, a few thoughts:

1. The Archangel Michael is known as the protector of humankind (and a spiritual warrior). Mick surely lives up to his namesake- it is the essence of him and of who he is as a man. That Mick is on a journey, there is no doubt now, just as Beth is on one. I find him to be a novel character, whose mystery deepens with every episode. And if he were to be labelled a hero, then I think it is in this- not that he's a fighter (of which there are a dime a dozen in imagined worlds) but that he dares to be happy.

The vampiric world is loaded with cynics (as is the human world). He pretty well stated why Coraline has come back: because she can't stand to see him happy. Almost no one understands his longing because what could be better than power, strength, eternal life, and seeing flying cars? This makes him amazingly courageous in the face of so much hollow desire amidst endless emptiness and darkness. He is fiercely single-minded in this pursuit; only Mick holds out humanity as being a treasure, a source of hope. Even Beth is not so sure.

IMO, Mick is not a hero so much as on a heroic journey (as is Beth) - a guy trying to liberate his soul from the prison of vampirism so he can feel and be whole again.

2. Loved that the cure is an organic compound. This fits again with a magical realism approach- where its existence lies very much within the realm of possibility, though its effects seem magical, suffused with extraordinary potency. It also emphasises the idea that vampirism is akin to a disease/disorder, a sickness, rather than anything demonic. Not a new idea, but still, cool.

But it makes me wonder: why was no trace of the compound found in Coraline's blood? And did it change her blood into pure child's blood? Or...is there something more sinister at work?

3. Hey, how about that Coraline? Damn, she's good! Ever the seductress, the temptress, the liar. BFF and I texted each other: Mick's a fool.

Coraline knows of his almost blind desire to be human. We've seen his single minded pursuit of it for many episodes now.

Why did she become human: "For you, Mick, you seem to like the human girls". Shyeah. Well, that didn't work, just like offering the child, Beth. didn't work. Now she's telling him: perhaps there is no love without mortality. Shyeah. That since she took his life away, she was going to give him give it back to him for a while. Shyeah. Feeding into all of his desires, tapping into his "weakness". Man, she even sacrificed herself for him! Big, fat, shyeah!

I'm guessing she wanted him to administer the compound. Perhaps he is another step of the experiment? Or more likely, so she can better have power over him. He knows her well, She knows she is master of the setup. He even accused her of it. A human Mick is much easier to terrorise.

3. Why does Coraline want to find a permanent cure? Oh, I am sure it is to save vampires from the misery of their lot. Shyeah. Is her brother so naive, this ancient and powerful vamp, that he wants the compound merely to preserve it and to save him from another Reign of Terror?

The ultimate power is to be able to turn vamps who oppose you into humans, a cleansing, if you will. Then, you rule the vampire world. Now, wouldn't that be just like Coraline?

4. We now can guess how Coraline escaped the fire. So, how did Josef? And for a guy who gets around in the vamp world, he knows precious little about what's happening.

5. Oh, that Mick! Just keeps surprising me. He takes the cure and then has the presence of mind to draw his own blood. His singularity of purpose is astounding. I can't imagine it won't get him into trouble. But his motives have become very clear. He doesn't seem too broken up about Coraline, either; she's been a means to an end. Just when I think I have him figured out, something unexpected happens. He seemed such a nerd in the 50's. He's been angsty. He's gotten hurt a lot in fights. He keeps changing. With consistency. Into someone more defined, and stronger. Coming into his own, perhaps.

6. Loved the way Beth's grieving over Josh was handled. It's not some guy she's over in a couple of days. This episode kept Josh alive, with his emails, with the ring....honoured him, and we've gotten to know him better dying and dead than when he actually was living. We learn what a great guy he was, what Beth saw in him. Lingering on Beth's mourning brought greater dimension to her character and history as well.

7. When he sniffed Beth's presence... the brightness that switches on in his face ....oh my. Why is Mick attracted to Beth? Well, I am sure we could explain reasonably. But maybe it's beyond reason- she makes him happy. I've never seen such a happy vamp. Yes, I think Mick's greatest attribute is that he dares to be happy.

And she came to him in her sorrow, needing a friend. And all she could see was the welcoming light in his eyes. Geez, talk about coming home.

The hottest thing he's ever said to her, in all the eps, is "Come here". Better than an embrace, better than a kiss, more intimate and effective than sex. It encompassed entire worlds of love and knowing. Sigh... the power of words. Geeeeez, it took my breath away, felt8. Finally, the last scenes in the graveyard. When he limps towards Beth, beaten and broken, and so tenderly, painfully, and triumphantly human .... They say when you wrestle with darkness, you are never victorious without sustaining some permanent damage- its the damage that makes you human, brings you home to your own mortality.

It seems that death is, indeed, the great equaliser. Beth and Mick are equals now. And their faces show, what? Under the sun's radiance, they are suffused with light. Mick and Beth are poised delicately on the threshold of trembling possibility.... We don't know what will happen. We don't know if it is a dream. We know their time is fragile. But with the last view of their faces, we know this much in the moment- that anything is possible. At that moment, they have laid some ghosts to rest. At that moment, neither is afraid. Everything is whole. Everything is pure. It's that moment that we want to capture and freeze for all time, before it begins to change and decay into something else, and becomes past.

And that's what makes me happy. For a moment, they are captured in time, and we can dream big dreams for them. And we know that Mick is whole and happy and they are together, there. I couldn't ask for a better ending. No matter what, we can dream big dreams for them and not despair.

9. I used to think Alex was not much of a presence as an actor, but then I had come in on bits and pieces of Moonlight and didn't see it from the beginning. I will eat those words happily. He brings such vitality and quiet depth and subtext to the role. When I finally did get to see the first few eps, I realised that all he said about knowing and understanding the character was true- he nailed it from the beginning. He inhabits that character like nobody's business and I can't imagine anyone else filling Mick's shoes. It just wouldn't be Mick, the only vampire I've ever come to admire and adore.

Why Is This Pic Emotionally Hot?

2008-01-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

because he didn't have to stand so close to her- so suggestive of intimacy- more so than any kiss could be, closer than a guardian angel needs to be

Is Moonlight a Rip Off of Buffy or Angel or Blood Ties or Forever Knight or Whatever?

2008-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

Posted this on the IMDB board:

Having seen most of the shows now, Moonlight seems less of a fantasy and more akin to magical realism. What if vampires did walk among us- real vampires in the real world?

I think this is a first for the vampire mythos and a first for vampires on tv. I'm not really learned in the genre, but I find, that if you look at Moonlight from the perspective of magical realism, everyone's behaviour and reactions to wondrous elements seem intensely real. The show makes vampires possible and believable, and an integral, not alien, element in the world; and in fact, an element that makes the world that much more charged with mystery and meaning.

So, I'd argue that Moonlight is nothing like any other vampire show. It's in a (classy) class of its own!

Love Lasts Forever: Episode 1.11

2008-01-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Early Observations:

1. I just realised that Mick's (gratuitously in the buff) surprising orgy of exercise actually makes it less gratuitous because it is justified: this happens after the last desperate and emotionally charged scene with Beth- I doubt that vampires need exercise. Mick does it to deal with intense feelings that have nowhere else to go. Yep, "an immortal with mortal feelings"- so unsupernatural!

2. Hands down, for me the extended scene of Josh's dying and their attempts to save him, is the most transcendent and penultimate of the series so far. Transcendent, because I found it a meditation on war/violence, and the life and death, and the human condition and fate, and the agony of what it means to be human. Mick said it all, "He's human". Beth wanted Mick to change human destiny and he wouldn't. Kudos to Mick for being so freaking strong and wise. How terrible for him to realise that sooner or later he will have to make a choice again.

I think I see a bit of homage to Terrence Malick in this who did "The Thin Red Line". Tho Josh is a bit of a cypher, he seemed so freaking human and real in this scene, his suffering very real, their attempts to rescue him shown graphically and intimately, with music that just enhances the poignancy, the sorrow and the grief- nary a false note, imo. It elevates the exigencies of being human to its most noble, tender, exquisite and keenly affecting level. It was poetic in its scope.

3. I love how Mick has a vision of how to live his life, and rules he tries to stick to, and no one can interfere with that. It takes great moral strength and courage to go against the tide and emotion. Which just throws up, in even greater relief, a frightening future where he will have to choose death or a half-life for Beth. Unless we are convinced that there can be a total upside to being a vampire- I wouldn't put it past the writers. Meantime, it becomes clearer and clearer that Mick possesses frightening power- not only power over life, but also over death. Makes him almost godlike.

4. I was absolutely shocked that Mick would got out for revenge- I don't think we've seen it to this degree before and he had absolutely no qualms about it. Has he changed somewhat? I was also stunned that he did it so publicly! Hello???? Is he gonna need the Cleaner. Will this come back to huant him at some point?

5. He rushed to see Beth as soon as he cleaned up. Wearing my fave coat of his- the tailored one, all nicely pressed, the hair brushed, no sign of blood anywhere. Wonder what she would have thought of the carnage he left behind. He's right- she has no idea what it means to be a vampire!

I loved that he rushed to see her. He cared about what she thought of him, of his decision. He wanted her to see the reality. His feelings are more obvious now, so much more involved in his actions and behaviour. I imagine those feelings are gonna get him into some trouble.

6. Loved the trenchant observation about bartenders always having a gun; he anticipated it. Hilarious! Sometimes he is the vessel for writers' commentary- like the equally hilarious dismemberment of the pretentiousness and venality of Hollywood producers in 12:04: Episode 1.08.

7. Homage to Beauty and the Beast with the final shot of Beth, Mick's absence empahasised and framed by the curtain blowing gently behind her- soooo the TV series, and soooo Cocteau! I always notice curtain scenes, because it affects me so- especially in the Cocteau film. I love Ron Koslow! (still hate him too).

Episode 1.10 - Sleeping Beauty

2007-12-14T23:00:00.000-08:00

lighterthanusual: Re the Ending - Oh, I so wanted her to stay and have fun with Mick in New York.

lafluffy: I was really disappointed.

lighterthanusual: Disappointed in what? I loved it all.

lafluffy: That she didn't spend a few hours with him in New York - I hate angst 24/7 - anyway, that was my feeling at the time - but the buildup was so well done - and it's the first time that Mick has just wanted to play - she is a party pooper.

It's interesting that Mick wanted to play - was cheerful- what happened? Why this sudden shift?

*****

lighterthanusual: What's the name of this ep? You know it without me having to look it up?

lafluffy: Sleeping Beauty. The creators wrote this ep - Soooo Ron Koslow - reminded me of the storytelling of the first ep of Beauty and the Beast, which Koslow wrote alone.

I just realized - there was no voice-over, was there? Actually, the lighting was diff as well - not noirish but lit like b&b - like a fairy tale.

lighterthanusual: You're right! I hadn't even noticed that there was no voice-over. Good. I don't like them, although the info gleaned from them is appreciated. There must be a better way to serve up that info w/o doing v-overs.

lafluffy: Yeah, you've mentioned more than one hundred times (kidding) that the voice over worries you, that he's not expressive enough. Now you tell me that you don't like the v/o. Well, clearly he's expressive, voice wise. And you know what? the v/o is seamless cause if it hadn't been you would have noticed that it wasn't there.

What better way is there to serve up the info? I sometimes wonder if he's not showing it on his face then other than v/o, what other way is there? Me, I like it. It gives us a glimpse into his inner workings. Otherwise he's too damned mysterious.

There was a bit of v/o, when he was looking at the tape with the merc waling down the hall. Curious. Why there and nowhere else? Maybe it was exposition.

I hadn't noticed the change in lighting either. You've always had an eye for lighting. I did notice how fantastic the shot was of Josef's suite going up in flames. Wow.

lafluffy: Heh, now I have to watch it again!

*****

lafluffy: the Window thing, where he placed his hand out to the window and she joined in - reminds me of an ep of b&b - it was one of the most moving and poignant moments of the series - Vincent is seeing his life as if he weren't born - he is standing outside Catherine's french doors on the balcony - he doesn't want her to see him - he reaches out a hand and just places it on the glass door - later on he is shot and you see his arm and hand from his perspective, falling away from the window in slow mo - awesome - totally awesome.

I wonder who directed this ML ep - did it with verve.

*****

lafluffy: Interesting that the poker game was played for black crystal - now how did Josef get the stuff- or was it just vials of blood?

lighterthanusual: I assumed that it was human blood and possibly animal, too, since Mick usually joins them. Geez, do the "guys" want to win when there's a lot of Mick's animal blood in the pot? Would it be a pig pot, a porker? We already know that Josef doesn't care for animal blood. I don't figure that there's vampire blood in the vials. Why would vamps want that, unless they gain something from drinking the blood of their poker partners. Naehhhhhhhhhh.

*****

lafluffy: Why is she dragging her feet about Josh - honestly!

lighterthanusual: Good question. Gonna think on that. Wait a minute! She's dragging her feet because she realizes (consciously or not) that she'd be giving up a great catch/fiance--lawyer, stable, good-looking, human--for a future with a vampire. Once Josh is gone, think of the many ruminations about a relationship with Mick. And she got a glimpse of one possible, terrible future---Sarah.

When Josef was telling her and Mick about Sarah, Mick was interested/engrossed in the story, while Beth's attention moved from Josef to Mick and back each time that Josef brought up a problem with his relationship with Sarah. That was worry on her part, not love for Mick. WORRY. Worry about a relationship with Mick, all the possible problems. No wonder she's dragging her feet. She'd have to deal with reality once Josh is out of the pic. Funny, referring to reality when speaking about vampires.

lafluffY: Someone posted that Mick believes in love again - Josef's story gave him hope - hmmmm......I dunno.

lighterthanusual: Bullshit.

*****

lafluffy: Girlie Man? So for several eps, Mick gets his ass whupped a little before he fights back - in this one he's suddenly the terminator-- what gives???????

lighterthanusual:

lafluffy: While thinking of it, loved his remark about why he's remained in L.A. for so long: i-i like the weather! (Of course it's because Beth is there)

lighterthanusual: Yeah, I loved it too. Heck, he sleeps in a freezer for crying out loud. I'm sure it's set for just above freezing. Wouldn't want him broken into little pieces by accident. Josef tends to interrupt his sleep. Now if Beth should move to Minnesota, Mick could toss that frig.

*****

lafluffy: Josef tearing up - This answers a question from a previous ep - when Beth is talking to Josef about Mick - how he feels guilty about killing Coraline and Josef tears up - no one at the time could out why, unless J had a thing for Coraline - in fact, he's remembering how he put Sarah into a coma, in effect, murdered her - heh.

lighterthanusual: Good catch. You remember what ep that was?

*****

lafluffy: This is the first ep where I think he is in love with her..... it's there in his eyes when he puts his hand on the glass.

And something I noticed ..... when Josef asks if he's gonna try to make a go of it with Beth - and Mick turns his head, smiles a bit and kinda gasps/sighs - he's done that before whenever the subject of him loving Beth has come up - to me this is the indicator that yeah, this is his 'I love her response/nonresponse' - it's like he gets caught at it - and it makes him sigh, in spite of himself - a real point of vulnerability, I think, and that's what he's showing.

lighterthanusual: Aw, I'm melting. Can't help it, but it's cute too.

His reaction also encompasses the struggles that he knows are ahead for him and Beth if they make a go of it. After all, human/vampire love? Loooooooooads of trouble there. That reaction means he wants to make a go of it; however, he's not sure what Beth wants. And sheesh, SHE doesn't even know what she wants! I hope she gets a clue fast and dumps Josh, although it looks like he's dumped her already, and with good reason.

*****

lafluffy: Rewatched it. Loooved the part where the shooter comes for J a second time and Mick covers Beth with his body - sigh and swoooooon

lighterthanusual: Yes, I was keenly aware that he covered HER and not Josef. Oh, to be covered, protected by someone like that. What a wonderful feeling, once you can get over the shock of nearly dying.

lafluffy: As for Coraline yelling 'Mick' - maybe she wasn't psychic - HOWEVER - I did notice that earlier on, Mick awoke from his sleep in the freezer suddenly - checked on J, who was gone - so they do seem to have some kind of radar/connection - maybe when they feel strongly for someone - so it make sense that Coraline would feel Mick's absence, on more than one level - heh - I rest my case!

lighterthanusual: ooooh, you always make me need to rewatch, you of the eagle eye and eagle mind. I'm not convinced yet, but you have me nearly sitting on the fence. I'm leaning on it.

*****

lafluffy: I'm still hating his short hair.

*****

FURTHER COMMENTS COMING. We can't shut up about this show.

Lafluffy's Imdb Review

2007-12-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

There is a vampire capable of true love.

Meanwhile, how novel! A vampire who walks among us in the daylight (but barely). A vampire who can take a stake in the heart which only paralyses them, and lives. A vampire unconcerned with crosses and garlic, who can eat but not taste, who can decay over time so sleeps in a fridge, who can mainline blood or steal from the blood bank without ever touching a live, breathing. living, alive human being.

And we have a vampire capable of conscience and mature love. When, in the annals of movies and novels has there ever been a vampire who not only wanted to be human, but kept his human and humanly transcendent traits (including humour) while struggling with his vampiric destiny?

This guy, Mick St. John, is betwixt and between. And what adds to the attraction- he is HOT.

I am drawn in by the light-heartedness in the face of daunting odds, the cameraderie, the struggle and confusion in attachment, and the majorly manly love of a guy who who hates being a vampire yet remains pure as a human, and not only pure, but mature. I have never seen a vampire who actually cares about others in a mature way- who takes care of others without angst. Who just does it.

This is what separates this show from others: a hot, cool guy who has a big heart and who time and again exhibits traits of the one whom you want to go home with- loving and true, protective above all, street smart, free-thinking and decisive, and growing and wise. A new, meaningful version of vampire.

Moonlight is a nuanced character study for those who pay attention. Long live the undead!!

Eps 1.07, 1.08, 1.09 Visions and Dreams and Coraline's Genius

2007-11-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

quick thoughts- i watched the last 3 eps in a row- they really are seamless when you watch them like that

ep 8- the final scene- he gets tears in his eyes cause he expected her to be angry at him- he gets tears in his eyes because she's not angry, she's grateful, and because she perceived him as an angel not a monster

still, in his eyes it will never work because he did, indeed, murder coraline (or so he thinks) and that he is capable of murder ( i wonder what he will think, now, that beth has shown she too is capable of murder and she's not even a vampire!)

the thought crossed my mind, tho the evidence is far more inconclusive (and some posters have mentioned this)- that there is an element of the stepfather at work here- he almost was, in a way....

this is bolstered a bit by the scene in ep 9 where mick insists that what cora describes as "family members going at it" are not related biologically- and he is embarrassed- and it just seems like something coming from his inner life rather than anything to do with the moment, because it seems like such a non-sequitur- why did he have to mention it- why did it matter?

but here is coraline's mad genius- she keeps planting seeds in mick's brain about the stepfather issue- for example when she says, after beth snarls that they seem to make a great team (and cora sure has been encouraging that idea), that maybe they could make it a "threesome" - a pretty lascivious insinuation on the one hand, and also a perfect recreation of the family dynamic she dreams of- beth as daughter-yuck yuck yuck

the entirety of ep 9 is all about coraline's manipulation and seduction of all of them, esp mick, by entering their dreams and visions, and nightmares- she likes playing the pi game and plays it well although her viewpoint is a little bent- she keeps mick intrigued and guessing.... she IS the courtesan, well versed in the intrigues and politics of court life- everything coraline does is to seduce mick back into her life and her world- she is insanely machievellian- and, as she says when the buzzwire editor asks her why she is getting her sound man to clean up the audio and cora replies she's working on a story and it's still in the conceptual stages, you know coraline is talking about running the show, her way.....and acting human is the perfect disguise- cause humans are vulnerable, tender beings....

and in a twisted way i see why she wants to convince mick that she's human- because then he will be disarmed, as he actually was in the final scene of ep 9.- but she is no less a predator than she ever was- and what galls me most at the end of ep 9 is he hugs coraline to him, clinging on for dear life, after roughly and frantically shoving beth out of the way, because he sees in coraline his redemption- that is an ugly and tragic irony

the ending of ep 8- when Beth kisses him he closes his eyes and when she moves away his eyes are for a moment still closed- he is dreaming- and then his eyes open and the sun is glaring at him, and she is standing in the sun and all that brightness is too much, and he wakes up and becomes dead again and puts behind him what is so unbearable to him

LighterThanUsual: I love what you've written. I'd probably have to see those eps again in order to respond well to all your points. But from what I can remember, I can't see any reason to disagree with you. Gosh, what softness I am feeling for him right now. Vampire or not, he has a heart which is easily wounded. He is more human than he may realize. And it's all he really wants to be, human. No wonder Coraline would try to seduce him again but this time as a human being. She has what he wants, more than anything else in the world. Aaaaaaah, she knows him so well. You're right. She's evil.

That scene in ep 8, when he was on the balcony with Beth, so touched me. Angel or monster. Perfect. He sees himself as a monster: remember in ep 2 how he tried to cover his bloody face and said twice to Beth, "Don't look at me" in such a plaintive voice. He tried to shield his face with his arm but couldn't. Yet he was not afraid of scaring her. He was afraid of what she'd think of him. Monster. A wonderful, wonderful post, lafluffy.

Episode 1.09 - Fleur de Lis

2007-11-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

LighterThanUsual: That was so gooooooooood. I can't believe that they're leaving us hanging. And you now what? I read that there is no Moonlight next week. Damned holidays! We have to wait 2 wks now for the 2 half of the story. geeeeeeeeeeez.

lafluffy: I just KNEW this was gonna be a cliffhanger from the very beginning! And, btw, it's gonna be 3 weeks of no ML. until Dec 14.

That was one hell of a great opening! I really love Beth so angry. Awesome! and the kiss! oh geez! I was glued to the edge of my seat the whole time.

I still don't think morgan is human. i still think she's fucking with mick's mind. what does he want badly? to be human. i think beth just paralysed her. she will rise once again.

mick, on the other hand, has a lot of explaining to do...but oooooh man, the yearning in his voice ...to be human....god that was so tragic- ao really pulled that off, too

LighterThanUsual: Three weeks! I had no idea. Damned holidays. They're not sprinkling cheer on me.

Re the opening, I was hooked from the start too. Juiced up. I loved the way Beth seemed jealous of Morgan in the beginning. And Mick was as bit flustered. He was betwixt 2 women interested in him, and it was apparent. I'd love to see more of that stuff in future eps.

Are you referring to the kiss at the shower door (I don't think he was actually in the shower)? God, the whole thing, when he's walking down the hallway and drying himself off, if I recall correctly. Then he stops at the room door, hesitated and wanted in. Not only can he hear really well, but he can sure see, and that was shower he was looking at.

From then on, pins and needles as he slowly walks toward the shower door and stops. What is he going to do? I had no clue! I'm thinking in good-guy mode, like in the PG tv shows of the 50's that would have him turn around before getting too close to the glass door. But nerves a-wrackin' now. Then he looks in. She turns around. And BAM! Jesus, that was great.

lafluffy: yeah, i so agree- i did NOT expect him to actually walk in- i thought he would be decent about it or something- the surprise is that it wasn't just seeing her that drove him on, but curiosity- to see the fleur de lis- on the other hand, his motives are partially hidden from us and usually you know the character's motives, they're clearly delineated- i'm really going to have to watch it again- once is not enough- and the way he looks thru the shower door at her, a slow sweep down- not lustful- jsut a slow sweep- hjust so interesting- what is he thinking at that moment?

i really didn't think he would do what he did- go to the shower and look, nor get in the shower and kiss her- but then i didn't expect them to kiss when they were surveilling that couple! lots of surprises in this ep- not following a cliched path at all!

LighterThanUsual: You don't think Morgan's human? I know she really likes to fuck with him, make him crazy, but she ate food, drink nonblood delicacies.

lafluffy: yeah, but they CAN eat food and drink, just don't taste it -

LighterThanUsual: Really? How'd I miss that? Mick said that, in an earlier ep? I need to rewatch them all online, since the first few eps were not spell-binding.

lafluffy: yeah, an earlier ep.

LighterThanUsual: I wondered if Beth had paralyzed her, but it didn't look like she hit the heart, not that that would matter in most tv shows.

lafluffy: i don't recall whether they have to hit the heart exactly- good question!

LighterThanUsual: I know Mick wants to be human. I was going to say that he wants Coraline, too, but naeh. How did Mick refer to her in the last ep., about love?

lafluffy: don't recall- maybe right now, mick doesn't really know what he wants besides being human? or maybe only the audience doesn't know....

LighterThanUsual: He had talked to Beth about the kind of craziness he was in re Coraline and he. Oh, what was that word. You know it, I know you do. We both talked about it. damn.

lafluffy: intense affair

lafluffy: really? i hate triangles with a passion- why on earth would you want to see that????
on the other hand, i loved how he was torn....between the past and the future, between the sensual and shallow and something more- how blood still calls to him....ao pulled it off very well, too.- but amibavlence sucks- if the show goes in that direction it will just be a mindfuck-

LighterThanUsual: I don't want to see an actual love triangle. I just thought it was enjoyable, seeing him uncomfortable as he tried to say and do the right thing when he was with both of them at BuzzWire.

lafluffy: oh okay, but that could get old really fast-

LighterThanUsual: I assume you mean Coraline when you say sensual? And shallow was his job between the lovers and the father?

lafluffy: nah- shallow is coraline

LighterThanUsual: What also surprised me in this ep was Coraline finally confessing who she was. I thought this possible ruse was going to go on a long time, several eps. The writers are smart. They move the story along quickly and keep us deeply loyal.

lafluffy: i love how quickly the stories have been moving! also beth knows it was coraline - remembers- cool- yeah, so many series drag on and on with something- i guess it does make us more loyal cause it makes you anticipate what happens next without the pain- i hope to g-d that they don't have too many cliffhangers- yeah we want to know what happens, but done once too many times and people again feel manipulated- the end of season cliffies really pissed me off.

lafluffy: did he HAVE to kiss her so many times?????? yeesh

that also was a surprise- usually it's either all or a peck- not a flurry of kisses- and how many times has he kissed beth who "also" is human? weird

LighterThanUsual: Aah, you just have a problem with kissing. I thought it was hot. So hot that I'll watch it all again tomorrow. I'll probably find more things to comment on.

Never mind. I just watched that scene again. Lordy, his eyes! That look is so sexy, strong. Oh, lordy. I'd like to get that look just once.

lafluffy: okay, i have to rewatch- i miss a lot the first time around- i dunno, i just never think he's really hot for her.....maybe i DO jhave a prob with kissing!

oooh, i just remembered-mick being decent about the surveillance tapes- keeping the contents from beth- and coraline calling him on it, making him blush (do vampires blush?)- calling him "old fashioned"- man, i found that totally HOT- totally- when was the last time a guy gave a damn about a woman's sensibility- it's chivalry i tell you- chivalry is now officially undead!- sigh and swoon

LighterThanUsual: I hadn't even picked up on that, how he was protecting Beth. Calling him old-fashioned was another clue she dropped. I seem to recall him having a reaction to that besides the so-called blush, if it were a blush. I'm not so sure. Perhaps she was just teasing him.

lafluffy: will have to watch again- yeah the word was a clang, really- nasty bitch

LighterThanUsual: Chivalry. Nice. Yeah, he is old-fashioned, even though he does use an iPhone. By the way I think Beth does too.)

lafluffy: Funny - you're turned on by the iPhones and I'm turned on by the chivalry- heh

LighterThanUsual: Didn't Mick seem more like an ordinary guy in this ep, except for recovering from being dead once again? What do you call the undead when they're shot and dead again? oh, yeah. Vampire.

lafluffy: what do you mean by "ordinary guy"?

LighterThanUsual: For a lot of the ep, he acted like a private eye to me. Meetings with the father, surveilling the couple more than once. He even had to use that listening device cuz his keen ear was not a recording device. When he confronted the guy and got shot, even that seemed like an ordinary mystery drama.

lafluffy: bwahahaha! not when he was leaping about- even when he was trying to keep up with the couple he seemed a wee bit inhuman, dashing around leaping like a gazelle- and saving coraline's ass- which brings up the question: why did he save her? cause he thought she was human? cause he thought she was morgan? the fact that he does check for her fleur de lis means that to some extent, he didn't totally buy her story- that was a surprise too

LighterThanUsual: Shoot, I've forgotten already, but didn't he kiss her, passionately, before he checked for the fleur?

lafluffy: yeah- but interesting that he wanted to check for it as well - clearly he wasn't in the throes of passion too deeply- and then his next response- how did she become human- is his obsession with her or the cure?

LighterThanUsual: I think he saved her cuz she was human, Morgan.

lafluffy: Yeah, that was my first thought- an automatic response

LighterThanUsual: But I also think that looking like Coraline was the extra factor. A very important one. At one time he loved Coraline madly. Maybe truly "madly." Once again, we don't know their story. Something serious (maybe lots of things) happened between them in the past in order for him to prefer saving a human child instead of his wife.

lafluffy: oooooh, i like your mind! what would lead him to the point of wanting to murder her? was it the eternal mindfuck? or was there even more than that?

lafluffy: Yeah, dullsville (in reference to "ordinary mystery drama" from above)

LighterThanUsual: But thank heaven, our Mick is not ordinary. And it is the nonordinary vampiry things he does that captures me. Wowza. What a vamp.

lafluffy: yeah, it's that boffo 4th act again! just when you think things are turning kinda ordinary, WHAM, mick rises to the challenge (and from the dead. again.)

LighterThanUsual: Did you find some of it dull? The first 3 acts? I found none of it dull. Wait a minute. I remember being annoyed earlier in the ep cuz the writers did not put B&M together again. I feel they need to be together more cuz they act so well off of each other. Yeah, I guess I had my moments, too, but only moments.

lafluffy: nononono- i was sitting on the edge of my seat thru the whole thing! it would have been dullsville if mick were not a vampire tho i have no problem just looking at him- mucho closeups too- wish the hair was longer but the coat looks really cute on him-

yeah, i was missing him and beth being together- don't feel the chemistry btw him and cora at all- i felt the lack- when she walks into the room at the end it is so great- without her, he's nothing

LighterThanUsual: One other thing about Beth. She is so incredibly angry when in that little girl's room that's she's able to tear the chair apart with her hands. She didn't bang it on the floor or smash it. She just pulled a piece of wood right out of the chair.

lafluffy: oooooh, awesome! the other thing i just loved was her being angry and possessed thruout the entire ep. Sophia did it so well, too- so consistently- also a nice link back to the previous ep where she remembered him saving her- both confronting their pasts, the trauma

it's funny, i just thought of this- how traumatic it prob was for him to be turned against his will- you just don't associate vamps with traumatic pasts- cora really abused him- so that makes your question even more interesting- how did he get the strength to finally turn against her

i remember a pic online that showed him lying unconscious on the marital bed- marital bed, what a lovely way to put it, which makes it all the more tragic- talk about being deflowered! unconscious, limp. deflowered, stained with blood, blood everywhere.... how do you ever get over something like that!

LighterThanUsual: I thought the little girl's room was really creepy, once I realized what it was. No wonder Beth was so furious when she saw C and then stabbed her.

lafluffy: good one- it didn't occur to me to wonder why it was still there

LighterThanUsual: This brings up something else. Morgan/Coraline is new to that area, right? So how come she has that little girl's room in her house? What is it for? Did she intend for Beth to discover it? That doesn't seem likely. EVERYTHING is in that room from before.

lafluffy: this is the old house- the one she owned when she met mick- and, it turns out, she's living there! all the evidence adds up to her being cora

sure why wouldnt' she want beth to discover it? she's fucking with beth's mind too- good question tho-

LighterThanUsual: I didn't realize that, that it was the same house. I guess that was a different house that burned up years ago with Coraline in it. So, is it to start a new family? A vampire family? Human? If she's human, can she get pregnant with Mick?

lafluffy: ooh, that is TOO creepy! i mean, this is getting into the realm of fanfic- yuck- it's more the buffy/spike road- double yuck- i mean, it's amazingly distasteful, bless your black little heart

LighterThanUsual: Well, hell, you had to wonder.

lafluffy: i didn't. i don't. she's not human

LighterThanUsual: Can Mick impregnate anyone? We know that he can have sex, but beware of fangs. If he's dead, is his sperm dead? Man, I may be digging too deep.

lafluffy: i'm guessing he doesn't manufacture sperm- sperm means life- i imagine he's barren or whatever guys are called- another great question!

LighterThanUsual: So what makes you so sure she's not human?

lafluffy: i think josef would have heard about it- she's a consummate conwoman too- i suppose they could change the mythology to accommodate that, but then it wouldn't be fun- someone would know the formula- and most of all- you're going against the laws of nature when an undead person can become alive again- i mean that's raising the dead- and if you can raise the dead, there is no point in vampires anymore, really....AND, most importantly, this ancient, powerful, manipulative vampire? why would she want to be human anyway???????? she's no different than josef

she's just yanking mick's chain

LighterThanUsual: That's brilliant. I think you've converted me. I'm 90% on your side. My doubts are killers.

lafluffy: i accidentally read spoilers- but then spoilers can be misleading as well- i want to be proven right- it just goes against the entire notion of vampirism to raise the undead- what is the frigging point?- i stand by what i wrote, which is from the point of logic

kaysspleen's Smackdown: Files

2007-10-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Canny and elegant poetic justice:
kaysspleen
Post subject: Bus Ad update 9/26 by kays
PostPosted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:00 pm

Over the past 10 days countless people have inquired why I chose to continue persuing the bus ads and didn't just ask for my money back. The answer is very simple. I at no time have ever believed my money still existed. I still don't. By forcing Lesser to make good on the bus ads she was forced to beg, borrow or steal my $11,000 in order to accomplish this. If I had said 'fine, just cancel the ads and send me back my money' I would never have seen a penny of it. At least with the bus ads I get to see something and have the satisfaction of knowing Lesser still owes someone $11,000.

It was unfortunate that she placed me in a position of having to communicate with her on this board. She has no one to blame but herself. If she had paid for the ads immediately this would have been a non-issue.

I received this email from the advertising company this morning:

Hi Barb,
I just sent Lees her payment receipt. She is paid in full. The ads are posting on Monday on schedule. Thanks a million for all of your help on this. I couldn’t have done it without you!

Still buried… I have my movie campaign going up on Monday and I’m not out of the woods yet. Back to work!
Kim

It is my hope and prayer that all of you have learned from my stupidity. I am not going to belabor the point by rehashing all of the issues surrounding 'busgate.' It would be pointless.

I have met some wonderful people over the last few days and am unable to find the words to express my sincere thanks, but Thank You I do. As I stated in another post part of me feels bad for what has transpired since my public appeal to Lesser and part of me does not. Once integrity is lost what is left? Barb/kaysspleen