I *thought* he looked familiar
Feb. 27th, 2006 11:00 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
trinityvixenSunday was a very Hornblower day. I got through chapters 6 and 7 ("Retribution" and "Loyalty"), which were pretty good, if you were careful not to look at the ridiculous poses they put Ioan Gruffudd in for the menu screens...
Well, anyway, many on my f'list might find it interesting to know that a young, idealistic young officer who showed up in "Loyalty" all keen to serve with Horatio was none other than the young, not-so-idealistic Tom Riddle. That's right, Chamber of Secrets' evil, book-bound hottie was Sir Red Shirt of His Majesty's Navy. Seriously, how could any other country in the whole thing possibly think to defeat England? At that point, it had on its Navy, at various points in time: Mr. Fantastic, Apollo, Wedge, Ra's Al Ghul (no, not Liam Neeson, but the actor who provided the voice of the animated Ra's), and now, Lord Voldemort his evil self. Really, just give up, rest of Europe.
ETA: And this might interest a few folks, too: Lt. Bush was the 8th Dr. Who. So, there you have it. Rest of Europe = pwned
Oh, Archie. As if being set adrift by an evil, abusive fellow officer, then beaten and tortured by the Spanish weren't bad enough. I was really hoping Wellet could take that blame. God love him, though, he never did ask if Horatio pushed Captain Sawyer. Rather, he figured Horatio would answer honestly in court and be hanged either way. It would be completely out of character, even for when Horatio is at his most pissed off, for him to have pushed the man, but the circumstances were unique, so Archie is forgiven for assuming the worst was possible.
And what he did makes him so forgiven period. Oh me. ::tears:: Buckland, on the other hand, oooooooooh....
As for "Loyalty," hurrah for the return of Mr. Bush! I am really glad he got over the doubting bit. Honestly, as if anyone doubting the titular character or his integrity could possibly survive. Other than him, however, I'm fairly 'meh' to the whole thing. I think the problem is again the 'bearding' Horatio's been given with Mariah. First off, loved her as Lydia in Pride and Prejudice and as Saffron in Absolutely Fabulous, but Julia Sawalha is not exactly a dashing beauty in distress (not to mention she look a bit long in the tooth--at thirty, fine, but still, for the period she would have been too old to be single without tongues wagging). Goes without saying that she isn't stunning enough to attract Horatio's attention or be worth him being flustered over beyond his being embarrassed for her when she's ga-ga over him.
Did love his expression when he hugged her after proposing. "Oh bugger," I think accurately describes it. I don't blame him. I hope this is corrected out in the last bit. Maybe he dies heroically. Let us pray. (and those of you reading this who've seen it, no spoilers!)
I also watched some of The Pretender yesterday. Good Lord, is it formulaic in the extreme (so far, so far! Don't hurt me,![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ivy03!). Not only do they keep repeating that Jarod is a "pretender" over and over and over, but the helping people shtick is going to need a swift kick in the pants if it wants to remain a draw over time. Sliders got bogged down by the same thing. Ms. Parker's skirts put Ally McBeal to shame, and I'm sure there was a good reason for her to be dressed like a hooker in the first episode. Also, bad guys clearly give up too easily. If Jarod smirks and waves at you as he gets into a cab while you're stranded away from it, track the goddamned cab number down! He's jumped off the boat in mid pursuit? 180, and go back! Scan the harbor, at least, for goodness sakes. The Center can afford bodyguards Ms. Parker and Sydney don't need, but can't scramble some manpower or muscle to comb the place? Jarod is soooooo clever that he tricks them into raiding the room he's next door to, and they don't start knocking on neighbors doors asking after him? Wha' happen?
I assume it gets better, so I'll continue on with it. Lisa watched the pilot episode with me yesterday and was wigged. I told her it was because of Jarod's Vulcan haircut. That, it turned out, was exactly her problem, and she settled down.
It was free. I keep telling myself that, but it's hollow comfort. Basically, I spent four hours, five with transit, getting one cavity filled. The dental student who did it didn't do a bad job, exactly, just an exhaustively cautious one. She used the drill only sparingly, so that meant I sat there listening to her scrape at my tooth for an hour and a half. It's excruciating for someone as paranoid about their dental health as me to listen to that, I assure you. Plus there was that whole thing with the novacaine not really numbing my gum so much as the teeth nerves, so yeah, lots of ow factor.
And bureaucracy up the ass. This was her certification test, so three examiners had to sign off on her work two different times. Bureaucracy being what it is, they can't possibly be allowed to see each others marks, so someone from the paperwork dimension comes between them to sign off and spirit sheets away (thus making the process twice as long).
I got onto the subway and ignored the rest of the day by napping and then woke to find a message from the dentist:
I'd left before she'd gotten to take my ID badge. Could I bring it back?
I dunno, can you kiss my ass? If she needs it so bad, it can be gotten from me at work today. Speaking of, I should probably see if she's e-mailed (my phone is dead, forgot to recharge it, so yeah, that's not an option).
Well, anyway, many on my f'list might find it interesting to know that a young, idealistic young officer who showed up in "Loyalty" all keen to serve with Horatio was none other than the young, not-so-idealistic Tom Riddle. That's right, Chamber of Secrets' evil, book-bound hottie was Sir Red Shirt of His Majesty's Navy. Seriously, how could any other country in the whole thing possibly think to defeat England? At that point, it had on its Navy, at various points in time: Mr. Fantastic, Apollo, Wedge, Ra's Al Ghul (no, not Liam Neeson, but the actor who provided the voice of the animated Ra's), and now, Lord Voldemort his evil self. Really, just give up, rest of Europe.
ETA: And this might interest a few folks, too: Lt. Bush was the 8th Dr. Who. So, there you have it. Rest of Europe = pwned
Oh, Archie. As if being set adrift by an evil, abusive fellow officer, then beaten and tortured by the Spanish weren't bad enough. I was really hoping Wellet could take that blame. God love him, though, he never did ask if Horatio pushed Captain Sawyer. Rather, he figured Horatio would answer honestly in court and be hanged either way. It would be completely out of character, even for when Horatio is at his most pissed off, for him to have pushed the man, but the circumstances were unique, so Archie is forgiven for assuming the worst was possible.
And what he did makes him so forgiven period. Oh me. ::tears:: Buckland, on the other hand, oooooooooh....
As for "Loyalty," hurrah for the return of Mr. Bush! I am really glad he got over the doubting bit. Honestly, as if anyone doubting the titular character or his integrity could possibly survive. Other than him, however, I'm fairly 'meh' to the whole thing. I think the problem is again the 'bearding' Horatio's been given with Mariah. First off, loved her as Lydia in Pride and Prejudice and as Saffron in Absolutely Fabulous, but Julia Sawalha is not exactly a dashing beauty in distress (not to mention she look a bit long in the tooth--at thirty, fine, but still, for the period she would have been too old to be single without tongues wagging). Goes without saying that she isn't stunning enough to attract Horatio's attention or be worth him being flustered over beyond his being embarrassed for her when she's ga-ga over him.
Did love his expression when he hugged her after proposing. "Oh bugger," I think accurately describes it. I don't blame him. I hope this is corrected out in the last bit. Maybe he dies heroically. Let us pray. (and those of you reading this who've seen it, no spoilers!)
I also watched some of The Pretender yesterday. Good Lord, is it formulaic in the extreme (so far, so far! Don't hurt me,
ivy03!). Not only do they keep repeating that Jarod is a "pretender" over and over and over, but the helping people shtick is going to need a swift kick in the pants if it wants to remain a draw over time. Sliders got bogged down by the same thing. Ms. Parker's skirts put Ally McBeal to shame, and I'm sure there was a good reason for her to be dressed like a hooker in the first episode. Also, bad guys clearly give up too easily. If Jarod smirks and waves at you as he gets into a cab while you're stranded away from it, track the goddamned cab number down! He's jumped off the boat in mid pursuit? 180, and go back! Scan the harbor, at least, for goodness sakes. The Center can afford bodyguards Ms. Parker and Sydney don't need, but can't scramble some manpower or muscle to comb the place? Jarod is soooooo clever that he tricks them into raiding the room he's next door to, and they don't start knocking on neighbors doors asking after him? Wha' happen?I assume it gets better, so I'll continue on with it. Lisa watched the pilot episode with me yesterday and was wigged. I told her it was because of Jarod's Vulcan haircut. That, it turned out, was exactly her problem, and she settled down.
It was free. I keep telling myself that, but it's hollow comfort. Basically, I spent four hours, five with transit, getting one cavity filled. The dental student who did it didn't do a bad job, exactly, just an exhaustively cautious one. She used the drill only sparingly, so that meant I sat there listening to her scrape at my tooth for an hour and a half. It's excruciating for someone as paranoid about their dental health as me to listen to that, I assure you. Plus there was that whole thing with the novacaine not really numbing my gum so much as the teeth nerves, so yeah, lots of ow factor.
And bureaucracy up the ass. This was her certification test, so three examiners had to sign off on her work two different times. Bureaucracy being what it is, they can't possibly be allowed to see each others marks, so someone from the paperwork dimension comes between them to sign off and spirit sheets away (thus making the process twice as long).
I got onto the subway and ignored the rest of the day by napping and then woke to find a message from the dentist:
I'd left before she'd gotten to take my ID badge. Could I bring it back?
I dunno, can you kiss my ass? If she needs it so bad, it can be gotten from me at work today. Speaking of, I should probably see if she's e-mailed (my phone is dead, forgot to recharge it, so yeah, that's not an option).
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no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 04:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 04:20 pm (UTC)Yes, first season Pretender is reeeediculously formulaic. I recommend not watching more than two episodes at a time. Miss Parker's costume and hair is modelled after Emma Peel on the Avengers, so if you don't like the mini-skirts, blame Diana Rigg.
They get more inventive in seasons 2 and 3. By the end of season 3, the Crime-of-the-week storylines are a lot better done, but the Centre (not Center!) storylines have become ridiculously complicated and bloated, so it's a trade-off.
And Jarod's hair gets better. I promise.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 04:36 pm (UTC)Fie to that! Give the men involved the weapons they've commanded in other works, and we'd all be having afternoon tea, demanding crumpets, and being a bunch of waistcoat wearing dandies by noontime. You get Apollo and Wedge on air support, Lord Voldemort to unleash magic against the enemy (Avada my Kedavra, bay-bee), and then the Doctor can clean house if there are any accidents.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 04:40 pm (UTC)I think two episodes at a time is manageable. That's what I did yesterday. I seem to remember the Centre plot lines were terrifically loopy, too. Crazy. I'll keep up with it and reward myself with some Gauntlet here and there.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 05:03 pm (UTC)Sheesh. Someone needs to beef up on their British history. :)
While Hornblower actually does talk about Nelson himself in the books (I think he escorts the funeral barge), the character is clearly based on the historical guy.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 05:09 pm (UTC)And, excuse me, but I am a proud American! None of this sissified British history for me, thanks! I only want to hear about the Britons when they're lopping off heads or getting their heads lopped off, or if Clive Owen is some how involved, thank you.
< /arrogance and shallowness>
Nelson sounded familiar, but not like I knew his life history. I'll rectify that, see if I can't dredge up a biography book or three.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 05:29 pm (UTC)See, I'm thinking we could use Nelson just to organise all the others. He was a great tactician and strategist so we might as well have him in command to tell Apollo and Wedge where to attack. hehe
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 05:43 pm (UTC)Nelson: We'll arrange these flying sculls--
At the same time:
Apollo: Vipers.
Wedge: X-Wings.
Nelson: (ignoring them both) in a tight formation to the south to encourage our friend Boney to head north, straight into the fleet and the overland marines. Those who stay and fight in the south will be overcome instantly by your ships--
More testily, again at the same time:
Apollo: Vipers, sir.
Wedge: X-Wings. Oh, and I can get Y-wings, too, sir. Do you want me to add a contigent of New Republican Jedi to your marines, sir?
Nelson: Damn it all, this is my incursion! I am relying enough upon your sorcery--
Mr. Fantastic: (coughing politely) Physics, sir.
Nelson: Your physics as is, thank you. Yes, what is it, Doctor?
Dr. Who: You might want my help later, sir, so I'll sit this one out, if you please.
Nelson: What's this? Insubordination, sir?
Dr. Who: Not quite. More like a tactical delay to ensure inevitable glory and heroic rescue, sir.
Nelson: Won't have it. We have rules in His Majesty's service, Doctor, and you are as bound to them as I!
Dr. Who: Um...no?
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 05:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 06:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 07:12 pm (UTC)You are most certainly right in saying that their mindsets are very different. I think I was not quite clear - I don't think that Hornblower is a vaguely-fictionalized Nelson.
However...vague spoilers...
Yes, the career similarities are probably shared by a lot of British officers. But there are an awful lot of similarities. Relatively humble beginnings. Making captain very young. Attraction to women above his station. Marrying a woman whose personality is entirely unsuitable, but the first couple of years of marriage being ok because he's beached. Aftermath of the French Revolution getting him another command. Acquiring titles. Falling in love with a noblewoman who is married. Following her around, having an affair, and growing to hate his wife.
It's really the romantic situation that I'm finding so similar - I agree that any Age of Sail character is susceptible to Nelsonification. But having the same kinds of situations with wives and mistresses does seem to imply that Forrester was following more than just Nelson's career.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 07:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 07:39 pm (UTC)*Apollo and Wedge exchange glances*
Apollo: Yes, sir, but the Vipers, sir...
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 08:56 pm (UTC)Okay, I totally see your point. It makes lots of sense. The romantic situations do have quite a few parallels. Though I'm rather sad there was only one Emma, Lady Hamilton. ;)
no subject
Date: 2006-02-27 10:32 pm (UTC)C'mon, that first name can _not_ be accidental. :)
I also am now a big fan of the word Nelsonification. Also, of Holmesifyin'. (From a new book, Holmes on the Range, which I got an advance copy of from a publisher friend and am totally in love with. Not that that has anything to do with this topic.)