Kevin Conroy: BATMAN Forever

                                                                                                                                                         

                              

     

 From the very first words you spoke; we knew you were Batman. It was the sound, the tone, the heart of the character; we hadn’t realized it but we had heard the voice collectively in our minds forever. We celebrate your life, your many accomplishments, we mourn your passing.

Kevin explains the importance of Batman to the multi-generational fans of the character.

What's Wrong With She-Hulk?

 

NOTHING!!!

Disney and Marvel TV have come up with a winner this time out. As a long-time fan of the Stan Lee and John Busema creative collaboration “The Savage She-Hulk” I am thoroughly enjoying this recent incarnation. I was on-board beginning with issue #1 in 1980.The series couldn’t be more faithful to the character of the transformed Jennifer Walters. Nor could it be more entertaining and at times in it’s unique way provocative.  

Lee’s idea in creating She-Hulk was to avoid what could have been, potentially a loss and overall problem for the Marvel franchise. The identifying name and image of “She-Hulk” had not been copyrighted and was open to anyone that wanted to do so. Lee wisely obtained the copyright and his choice was timely. The creators of this new TV series; “She Hulk: Attorney at Law” even made copyright infringement the subject of an episode in this, the first season.

As written and along with the portrayal by Tatiana Maslany of the title character on the current program the production is very much a satirical take on comic book themes and the genre itself. The fourth wall is routinely broken, the villains are absurd clichés and the laughs are perfectly timed often subtle mind games. This TV incarnation is an almost literal version of what writer/artist John Byrne did following the Lee/Busema run on the Savage She-Hulk book. The satire, the breaking of the fourth wall, the leaping in and out from the mediums physical boundaries is pure Byrne; the character was also known to have conversations with Byrne himself (often complaining to him) as the stories were unfolding. The TV production has followed the Byrne tenure to perfection. The subsequent artistic teams following Byrne have stayed with his take and followed him in turn.  

At this point to address the issue alluded to in the blog title; “What’s Wrong With She-Hulk?” there have been criticisms with many detractors falling into the disgruntled line of complaints and derision.  The malcontent many fans find have broad and personal dis-satisfactions. Many on-line critics give voice to their perceived disdain for the writer’s skills, catering to the “Woke” audience and the emasculation of male characters. This is something that I don’t necessarily find to any real degree within the show myself but it is something of a problem on many other franchises today. These problems do have their merit. It will always be true that beauty and wit are in the eyes, ears and tastes of the beholders. These folks essentially have different ideas of what the program should be, they haven’t read the comics and their expectations or far different than what they are receiving as content. They don’t seem to realize they have every right to stop watching at any time, during any broadcast and find something closer to their personal likings and fancies.    

Ironically the disillusioned continue to watch “She-Hulk” and seem to relish their mal-content. I think it’s fantastic! The show remains captivating, engaging and a controversial vision. It is the best of all worlds. One of the truest measures of the content and worth of a thing is the ire that it arises in the audience of the unannointed the “Unbelievers.” Stan Lee spoke often of the “True Believers.” Which one do we choose to be, which one do we want to be?

For those that are among the undecided or the unviewed, take a-look-see.  I think there is a good chance for you to enjoy She-Hulk. Join the mirth and the mayhem. Remember; don’t worry, be happy! 

Who's Watching???

A young child sits in a darkened movie theater enthralled; viewing a black and white silent film. This; as a young woman plays the music score on piano, apparently agonized and anguished for some as yet unknown reason. The film is of a masked heroic figure pursuing an apparent villain, both on horseback, in some epic of the American Old West. The scene is reminiscent of the sepia toned opening of the classic “Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid.” Both woman and child are African-American. The scenario is about to drastically change as gunfire, aerial bombs and shouts of horror, pain and insults engulf innocents on the streets outside of a once peaceful, almost idyllic town.  This jarring opening is based on the real life “Black Wall St. Massacre” in Tulsa Oklahoma’s Greenwood District in 1921. 

We fast forward to modern times and almost everybody is masked. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? Who and what was the cause of the aforementioned carnage? Why is shrimp/sushi raining from the sky? These are the overriding questions of the premier episode of “Watchmen?” Questions that essentially remain unanswered well into viewing subsequent episodes of the new HBO television series and sequel to the brilliant graphic novel “Watchmen.” 

Originally published in standard monthly comic book installments “Watchmen” was later collected in its entirety and released for readers in the nineteen eighties. It was created by artist Dave Gibbons and writer Alan Moore. It has been much lauded and revered over the years; even chosen by Time Magazine for the top 100 novels released within the years of the magazines conception. “Watchmen” exists in an alternative universe and like every good comic book world there are visions of the fantastic, the futuristic and humor along with ample doses of hysteria and dystopia. 

This satisfying T.V. series by design is complete as a story unit and by decision of creator Damon Lindelof feels like there is no necessity for any further episodes; although someone in the future might have ideas for additional stories. Damon Lindelof has done a brilliant job of production, narrative, and received phenomenal performances from a cast of extremely gifted actors of passionate professional skills and inspiration. Regina King, Don Johnson, Lou Gossett Jr., Jean Smart, Tim Blake Nelson, Jeremy Irons, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Hong Chau all starring and feature in illuminating ways.   

“Watchmen” is provocative, disturbing, eye-popping and triumphant television. Watch the compelling first of nine episodes and you will quite likely be committed to seeing it through to a conclusion both jarring and elusive.       

WONDER WOMAN & the Endurance of the Modern Myth

Visit Comi-Con in San Diego; New York or any city of your choice. You will bump into; stroll by and see ladies, little girls, women of a certain age and teens all sharing a common vision. These women of every stripe, body type and national origin dressed in the stars (bad pun warning!) and bras of Wonder Woman. 

William Moulton Marston’s idea was to create a powerful super heroine that represented all the best characteristics of woman hood; a character that could hold her on with any male; hero or villain. Under the pen name Charles Moulton he based his Wonder Woman on and steeped her in Greek mythology, especially the legend of the amazons. She would be graced with strength, beauty and wisdom. Her dedication to honor, right over wrong and truth would be unparalleled. Marston achieved his goal many times over. Wonder Woman is the symbol for Women’s liberation, rights and an entertaining action queen across media and medium.

Among a select number of super people Wonder has the distinction of being in print of some form and interpretation since her nineteen forties inception. The distinct star pattern short skirt or pants, red strapless top and tiara, accessorized with bracelets and golden lasso have rarely changed over time.  The lasso by the way is used to extract the truth from anyone caught in it’s noose and often in a fetish like way has found Wonder Woman herself restrained in bondage. 

Currently in print the first female of comics is written and illustrated by wife and husband team Meredith and David Finch; another first.  To date six regular issues and an annual created by the Finches show their run promising to be among the amazon’s most memorable.  

The enduring allure of Wonder Woman is a source of pleasure and inspiration for all who admire great tales of hope and adventure. Wonder Woman will remain as long we cherish the ideals of perfection and grace she is.

Jerry Seinfeld's

How does the idea of driving around town with Jerry Seinfeld and one of his celebrity friends sound? You’re in a high end car a Ferrari, a Rolls Royce or say a Classic 57 Chevy Belair. The car could be as simple and unassuming as a VW Beatle or a Ford LTD family station wagon. Now say the town is LA, Vegas or Upper West Side Manhattan. With all this said; the Seinfeld friend is maybe Larry David, Sarah Jessica Parker, Chris Rock or Jim Carrey; at this point would you be interested. But just think it gets better…coffee…the nectar of the gods awaits at the end of the drive. The bill by the way picked up by Jerry; himself.  

Seinfeld’s hit internet show is very much like spending a morning or afternoon with the comedian behind the wheel and sharing jokes, philosophy, ideas and a certain intimacy of the type you would find on a private road trip.  The show is very much a joy to watch and if you’re the type to retell a good joke the show provides a lot of material. The laughs are plentiful but there are also touching stories told as well. Louis C.K. has an amazing reminiscence of a boat trip with his young daughters that is full of surprises, twists and eventually a wonderful tale of awakening and bonding.  

 Jim Carrey is at his insane best as he keeps Jerry in stitches and shows an unexpected creative out let in his surprisingly fascinating and skilled paintings. Jerry’s old friend and colleague George Wallace is equally hilarious as we are privy to his Vegas act and we see a long lasting respect and unmistakable comradery between the two comedians. Sarah Jessica Parker is priceless and very unaffected by her success and fame as she connects to her own unpretentious child hood. The show delivers a welcome tie-in with the theme of cars, family and the passage of time.

Popularity and success are no strangers to Jerry Seinfeld. He has with “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” the perfect marriage of his greatest interests. His talk show on wheels is considered by many the best T.V. show online and he is enjoying every minute of it. Seinfeld is showing a glimpse of life that is like no other Reality Show. There is a real honesty here. We get to tag along for the ride.

Comedians; Cars, Coffee…What’s not to Like???!!!

Breaking Bad; post finale...

It is already being compared to Shakespeare, Melville, Dickens and even Shelley. The central character; Walter White aka Heisenberg was both Dr. Frankenstein and Monster, Ben-Hur and Messala, Batman and The Joker, Jekyll and Hyde, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.   It was a drama of the highest order while ranging from being hilariously funny and timely, to moments of total absurdity. Existing for a mere five seasons Vince Gilligan’s “Breaking Bad’ became so ingrained into viewer’s psyches that an obituary was posted in an Albuquerque newspaper upon the series’ end. The fans that posted the obit said they needed the closure. The show will resonate still for some time to come.

Vince Gilligan the creator, producer, director and chief writer for “Breaking Bad” developed the series from an “off the wall” idea he imagined when he was between writing jobs. The multi-talented Gilligan has worked in the television medium for many years and written most notably for “the X- Files.” Joking to his friend that they should become meth dealers to make ends meet was to evolve into the TV series that is comparable to none before. Gilligan’s protagonist would essentially go from “Mr. Chips” to “Scarface” through the course of the series. This was as unusual and as risky a premise as has ever been proposed to any network for programing. AMC would give Gilligan “The Go” on his project. Gilligan’s idea would capture the imaginations and respect of a nation including house-holds, critics and the entire television industry. “Breaking Bad” has been awarded throughout it’s duration on every level for acting, writing and production.    

“The Pink Teddy Bear Mystery” began with the opening of Season II. A plastic eyeball floats on the surface of a body of water; a swimming pool…the ocean perhaps? The camera slowly drops below the water’s surface to an object; a pink teddy bear that as it floats aimlessly turns to reveal one side is blackened and badly burned. The scene fades away.  This was one of the many “Breaking Bad” flash forwards and a device used to great advantage throughout the run of the series. The things and events involving the pink teddy bear would expand with each episode as the season progressed only to be explained in a totally unpredictable fashion in one of the season’s late shows. The bear can also be seen again as part of a mural in Season III. It seems to hover above the head of a character directly tied to the events associated with the stuffed toy.  This series was one to watch closely looking and listening for clues, hidden messenges and unexpected cross-overs between characters and events. Things that seem to have little importance will later blossom full scale into major plot lines with significant repercussions.

 

Vince Gilligan and all those involved with the creation of this phenomenal TV series “Breaking Bad” have achieved a sort of immortality for their efforts. Whenever the great shows of the television era are mentioned this landmark piece of fiction will be mentioned as being among the very best; if not the best.  It was that good! 10.3 Million would watch the emotionally charged and anticipated finale. Who would live or die? Would there be revenge, closure or justice? How could so many intricacies be resolved in a satisfying way with so many fans to appease and so many potential endings?    With the airing of the finale “Breaking Bad” has ended; it has passed on to whatever place history will allow. It is sadly and was neatly and perfectly; with a nod to “Scarface,” done.

The cast of Breaking Bad was responsible for many miraculous, engaging, moving and entertaining performances. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were at the center of a cast that taken as a whole would come to keep viewers in complete awe and rapture. The many actors involved were amazing and are to be lauded.

The Breaking Bad Cast:

Bryan Cranston as Walter White aka Heisenberg: Chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer who becomes a meth (cooker) manufacturer

 Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman: Former student of Walt's who becomes his meth-making partner in crime

Anna Gunn as Skyler White: Walter's wife, a mother of two and co-owner of A1A Car Wash

Dean Norris as Hank Schrader: Walter's macho brother-in-law and DEA agent on the trail of Heisenberg

Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman: Walt and Jesse's attorney (the shady lawyer’s shady lawyer)

Giancarlo Esposito as Gustavo (Gus) Fring: the owner of a fast food chicken restaurant and a major meth distributor

Krysten Ritter as Jane Margolis: Jesse's landlady; later becomes his girlfriend and also a recovering drug addict.

 Daniel & Luis Moncada as The Cousins: cartel killers who travel from Mexico to kill Walt for business and personal reasons

 Laura Fraser as Lydia Rodarte-Quayle: The Head of Logistics at Madrigal Electromotive and Gus Fring's methylamine supplier

Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut: works for Gus and is Saul's go-to guy when his clients get in sticky situations

 

The producers of Breaking Bad used music in an uncompromising, elegant and unusual fashion. The music was effective and often juxtaposed with images that before Breaking Bad would not have seemed compatible. The soundtrack of Breaking Bad was as much a break through as all of the incredible and innovative themes the series was to introduce.

The Breaking Bad Soundtrack Play List:

(click on the titles to listen to the music)

PICK YOURSELF UP     Nat King Cole

CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION     Tommy James and the Shondels

ENCHANTED     The Platters

TAKE MY TRUE LOVE BY THE HAND    The Limeliters

WAITING AROUND TO DIE     The Be Good Tanyas

ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER     The Peddlers

WINDY     The Association

A HORSE WITH NO NAME     America

NEGRO Y AZUL     Soundtrack

BREAKING BAD INTRO     Soundtrack



Respect the Chemistry