What We're Watching : Part I

Sometimes I think it's fun to hear about what other people are watching because just like the books you read, the shows you watch say something about who you are. I don't know how much I like admitting that right before My Great Confession as to what we are engaging with but I'll admit to it all the same. For better or for worse, I'll be sharing what some of our top picks are at the moment. All of these titles will be linked to the Wikipedia page in case you have an interest in learning more about them.

#1 - Once Upon a Time



We started watching this when we were in temp housing and didn't have a whole lot to do. Now we watch it, regardless of whether or not we have anything else to do. This show was created by the same people who made the television show LOST. (We've never seen LOST and have no intention of being drug into that drama.) We will, however, thoroughly enjoy Once Upon a Time.

The basic story plot which this show revolves around is the story of Snow White. "Snow", as she is called on the show, is in a war not of her choosing with the Evil Queen. The Queen has sent all fairy tale characters "to a world without magic" - our own world in this present moment - where happily ever afters are sure not to happen.

There was an enchanted forest filled with all the classic characters we know.

Or think we know.

One day they found themselves trapped in a place where all their happy endings were stolen.

Our World.

This is how it happened...

I can't really tell you much about the show without giving away a whole host of spoilers, which I really ought not do. If you think you might want to watch this show, start at the very beginning and watch all episodes in order. (The pilot is available on hulu.)

We love Once Upon a Time because of its remarkable story telling. Every episode is exciting, raising questions about who is who and what and where and why. Every episode also answers questions so you aren't left completely hanging until the end of the season. The story telling is so tight and perfect (in our opinion) that we can't think of how they would drag this show out between two or three seasons max. (I really hope they keep it short and sweet.)

Conservative note: the only caution I have to offer is that in the first few episodes the main character, Emma, needs some help with her wardrobe. Her shirt is very see-through which is ridiculous. There is also one "scene" within the first few episodes. After that, the producers seemed to have worked it out of their system. Emma's wardrobe ceases to be disturbing and now we're just in for the story. (I wouldn't mind if the blue fairy weren't so revealing at times though. Thankfully most of the time she's fairy sized but I dislike the close-ups.)

Favorite character? I'm kinda thinking Rumpelstiltskin.



I took this totally pointless quiz to find out which Once Upon a Time character I was. My result was Jiminy Cricket. "You always end up doing the right thing because of your conscience and you are honest." ;)

Love the story telling, love the familiarity and fresh new look at old characters and the various truths sprinkled throughout. (I'm not interested in making a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to this show's morals. The truth is - they haven't got any. However, so far there is a clear distinction between good and evil and it allows one to cheer on the good guys and root out the bad ones!)

Emma: How is a book supposed to help?
Mary: What do you think stories are for? These stories are classics. There's a reason we all know them. They're a way for us to deal with our world. A world that doesn't always make sense.

Here's the trailer:



Note: Jonathan and I have chosen not to have cable in the house because we don't want to have the ability to turn on the tv whenever we're feeling listless or bored. We "watch tv" on our computer - mostly using Hulu to see recent episodes. Usually we watch the episode the day after it airs so if you are in the habit of watching Once Upon a Time and have the ability to see it aired live - do NOT try to talk to me about the episode until a day or two have passed. ;) (I have to exert extreme patience with this show!)