There's A Battle Ahead

[redbrunja]

Dollhouse:

Okay, so I really liked Dollhouse. Part of that, admittedly, is having Faith and Fred – I mean, Eliza Dushku and Amy Acker on my television, but you know, there is a reason why I tend to really like Joss shows, and that's because he writes smart. With rare exceptions, I don't ever feel like I'm being treated like an idiot watching his shows.

I like the set-up, and that the actives' personalities come from real people with attached problems. The storyline with the kidnapped girl was very emotionally arresting. I loved the slow reveal about all the details of the kidnapping - horribly realistic.

Dollhouse is admittedly, too bleak. If they don't find a way to bring in some humor it could get really unbearable fast. Also, I know a lot of people have been nervy about issues of objectification and agency. Now, time will tell, but at this point we have actives of both sexes, and women throughout the structure of the company - the head hocho is a woman, and clearly in control.

Also, while Echo DOES lack agency, I never underestimate the awesomeness of a hot chick kicking ass on my television. (Also, I was pleasantly surprised that she saved the day in this episode via her brains.)

This week's Naruto:

LOVED IT.

FROG ON A STICK, PEOPLE! FROG. ON. A. STICK.

Pain pinning Naruto's hands to the ground was AWESOMECAKES.

I sense a flashback approaching, and as dumb as that always, always is, I'm very curious to see what's going to be revealed.

Also, I loved Ino's dad being clever. Also, Shikamaru's dad is totally lame. I mean, totally, totally lame. I mean, if I ever wondered where Shikamaru got all the unattractive parts of his personality, I don't now.

The only downside?

WHERE IS SAKURA?!?!?!?!?!

(Also, I think nimblnymph  called it, and Pain is going to steal Kakashi's body and maybe inhabit it. Which, would be epic and awesome and gasp worthy and would result, imho in Naruto and Sakura rescuing him  - I'm still holding out for Sakura healing Kakashi and ending up wandering around in his head to fetch him back to the land of the living. How else is she going to meet her future father-in-law?)

Comments

[mistaria.livejournal.com]

Dollhouse definitely had an interesting beginning. ^^ Now let's just hope FOX doesn't kill it since it's on Friday and all. But they've done a good job of promoting it so far and they did their whole "yeah, we have sex appeal" Glau/Dushuku bits between Terminator and Dollhouse. :p

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

*crosses fingers*

Honestly, I'm just hoping that they air the episodes they've already filmed.

Fox has killed a lot of shows I've loved with the Friday night timeslot of death....

[mistaria.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I forgot you are a Dark Angel fan too. So you feeeeel my pain here.

And I am soon to become a Firefly fan since I've seen a couple eps and bought the series recently. :D

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

And wonderfalls.

Fox has killed many a beloved show.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Yes! I was really expecting for the kidnapped girl to just be written off to show how cold this company was - I was very pleased that they didn't.

And that interview is very encouraging - both that Joss is aware of the issues of agency and that he is going to be bringing more humor in, which I'm happy about.

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

I'm not concerned about Echo's lack of agency because I think it's pretty clear from even the pilot that agency, motivation, and freedom to control your own life is going to be The Big Point. Even the title is an inherent criticism, and I was satisfied that the FBI scene immediately equated it to human trafficking.

Good point about women in the structure of the company. While I doubt what's her name is the head/owner of the company, she is certainly the program's director, and is probably the person in the highest position of power we'll see for a while. Actually, the FBI seemed very masculine in comparison.

I feel like Amy Acker's character was probably victimized by the company, though.

I agree with you about it being too bleak. I remember the early Angel eps were pretty bleak, though.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

*nods*

Agreed. I've heard a lot of criticism about this show even before it aired, but which I think is partially undeserved. (As in, it's a good idea to talk about it, but a lot of people seemed to be damning it before they saw it).

I feel like Amy Acker's character was probably victimized by the company, though.

I really, really hope they don't go that route, honestly.

I agree with you about it being too bleak. I remember the early Angel eps were pretty bleak, though.

Well, Joss tends to bleak, always. We have a running joke in my family about him hating joy.

[sowell.livejournal.com]

I liked Dollhouse, too. It was a little...I don't know. Maybe I'm tired of seeing drama made out of abuse stories? That's probably an awful thing to say. It just seems like such an oft-used plot. So I was sort of "ugh" when I saw that that was where they were going, but at the same time, they did it well, so it ended up being okay. That was definitely the strongest part of Eliza's performance, I think.

FROG ON A STICK, PEOPLE! FROG. ON. A. STICK.

Ha ha, that was crazy. But...if Pain steals Kakashi's body, doesn't that sort of ensure that Kakashi is Dead For Real? Do. Not. Want. :(

Usually the Villain Monologue is one of my least favorite parts of Naruto, but they've been hinting at Pain's backstory for so long that I'm actually excited for it. I want to know how Yahiko died.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Maybe I'm tired of seeing drama made out of abuse stories? That's probably an awful thing to say. It just seems like such an oft-used plot.

This is true. But, imho, Eliza is a good enough actress to pull it off.

Ha ha, that was crazy. But...if Pain steals Kakashi's body, doesn't that sort of ensure that Kakashi is Dead For Real? Do. Not. Want. :(

I don't think so. For one, that would require someone on Team Konoha to kill the Kakashi!body, which I think is a little too dark for Naruto. Plus, since the last time we saw Kakashi he was chatting with his dad, I wouldn't be surprised if they had a way to wake him up in the middle of Pain using his body.

[nimblnymph.livejournal.com]

Okay... You already know I was pretty much dancing with the recent Naruto chapter. It's about fucking time Pain did SOMETHING awesome, and chakra rod bondage is definitely that. And he killed the frogs! HALLE-FUCKING-LUIAH! The only reason I feel bad about the frog on a stick was because it was Jiraiya's frog... but I got over it barely even .05 seconds later. Pain... I've fallen back in love with you. You are not as big a pussy as I thought.

Now, then, Naruto predictions:

Pain IS gonna inhabit Kakashi's body. The twist? kakashi isn't dead. Remember, he's having a heart-to-heart with Padre. He hasn't moved on YET. So... Pain takes over, Kakashi finishes his talk with Padre juuuust in time to throw Pain OUT of his head.

The End.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Okay, this is going to sound nitpicky but I HATE hearing pussy used as a derogative term. There are already too few good words for female genitals, I dislike having one be most used as an insult.

But the rod chakra (*snort* rod chakra) bondage was FANTASTIC! Finally, Pain's behaving like a proper villain.

Pain IS gonna inhabit Kakashi's body. The twist? kakashi isn't dead. Remember, he's having a heart-to-heart with Padre. He hasn't moved on YET. So... Pain takes over, Kakashi finishes his talk with Padre juuuust in time to throw Pain OUT of his head.

I would LOVE to see that. It just plays so nicely, doesn't it?

[nimblnymph.livejournal.com]

No, you're not sounding nitpicky. It's a personal preference and I'll be sure to respect that in the future. Honestly, I don't care for the word in terms of female genitalia. I don't know why... but it turns me off most of the time. I think it has to do with the bad smut fics talking about sopping wet pussies all the time. But out of respect for you (which I have LOADS of), I'll refrain.

Anyway, back on topic... Rod Chakra Bondage. I was torn between saying Pain totally pegged Naruto with a chakra rod or the Rod Chakra Bondage. either way, it makes me cackle. Pain finally, FINALLY did the villain thing and owned Naruto. For that scene, as well as the frog killing, I'm willing to forgive Kishimoto for the craptastic fight scene between Naruto and Pain. NOW it makes sense why Naruto was winning so easily; the super bad ass Pain was still recharging his battery.

And in slight defence of Naruto here... what happened to the chakra leech path actually made perfect sense and I do have to applaud that particular trick.

Ooooh... if that happens, I'm gonna be a giddy mess! Already, I'm just imaging what Sakura's gonna do when she finds out Pain not only demasked her man but had the audacity to stick some tiny rods through his nipples.

Sakura: I am so FURIOUS over what he did to you! How DARE he violate you like that!

Kakashi: ... It's okay, Sakura. All I have to do is pull the rods out and--

Sakura: *blinks* What are you talking about?

Kakashi: Um... the fact that Pain pierced my nipples. What are YOU talking about?

Sakura: The fact that the bastard took your mask off before I could.

Kakashi: So... you're pissed off because he unmasked me, not because he completely violated my body by pierceing my nipples.

Sakura: *snorts* Hell, yeah I'm pissed about that!

Kakashi: ... but not about the nipple piercing.

Sakura: *blushes* it's actually... kinda hot.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Yes, I too have read about one too many dripping pussies. That said, the word is starting to grow on me - I think because I started coming across good authors who used it. Or desensitization. And when when I disliked the word for a woman's lady bits, I HATE insults that are insulting because the compare a guy to a woman or part of a woman. HATE THEM LIKE BURNING.

Oh! I should TOTALLY be pegged Naruto. That just sounds so much dirtier. Heh, heh, heh.

And oh, that ficbit is PERFECT! *snerk* I share you rage, Sakura, I share your rage.

...now I'm imaging Sakura straddling Kakashi and showing just how much she approves of those nipple piercings... with her tongue.

(Personally, though, I've always been a less is more kind of girl with piercing - same with tattoos.)

[nimblnymph.livejournal.com]

*dies howling* Naruto was pegged by Pain. And since Pain is so big on bringing pain to the world... it was a dry pegging. *wipes eyes* Saying it like that, I almost feel sorry for Naruto.

Damn it... smut is gonna come of this. *sighs* That'll be two orders of smut today, ladies and gentleman.

Oh, I'm gonna be sending you DE's next chapter. I'm not sure I like it and you're good and finding out why I don't like it.

And I'm not big on nipple piercings at all... but they DO make the flesh more sensitive. I think I feel like writing this smut as Kakashi embarrassing himself. Sakura gets him of by grinding on him and licking his pierced nipples while holding him down with super strength. *shivers* Damn... I'm getting turned on just thinking about it.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Sakura gets him of by grinding on him and licking his pierced nipples while holding him down with super strength.

Oh, yes, please. I could go for some of that!

And I'd be glad to read the latest chapter of DE and figure out what's working or not.

[nimblnymph.livejournal.com]

Both are done, so enjoy at your leisure. I've already started editing DE a bit... but I'm curious for your take.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Oooh.

*rubs hands*

[hieronymousb.livejournal.com]

I'm extremely curious about the Villain Monologue. Kishi has quite a big gap to fill here, it's a big challenge, and is he up to providing a satisfactory explanation for the fandom?

I mean, naturally, I don't think anything can excuse what Pain has done, but something could at least explain his nonsensical rationale, maybe. That's where Kishi has set up a real task for himself here.

Well, Shikamaru's Mom is pretty awesome, so I guess that's where Shikamaru inherited his better qualities from.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I don't think anything can make telling Tsunade she doesn't know about Pain anything but hypocritsy, but I DO think have a nice, unrelentingly tragic backstory will make him a little more sympathetic.

[teh-amazing-one.livejournal.com]

Just saw Dollhouse. I liked it.


Is it bad that I think Naruto can di as long as Kakashi lives? Though, it's not going to happen.


Shizune! Noo!


Frog on a stick! Noo!


One of Pain's bodies! Noo! Oh wait. Maybe yes.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Sweetie, I would trade HALF THE CAST for Kakashi. And I'm still really bitter that only Shizune died. Honestly, I think most of the older generation and Kiba and Shino should have died in the explosion.

[okroginator.livejournal.com]

*glees about Naruto*

MY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE, IT IS BACK

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Isn't the hope for the future nice?

[visualthinker11.livejournal.com]

re: dollhouse- i do hear the humor's due to increase next episode... and, yes, i loved it. the first bit with echo-the-active, the three-day weekend setup, was neat as well- i'm so used to eliza as faith, and here she got to be much sweeter and a little bit more fun. so it was neat, from the start, to see her switching up her character roles.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

That's good - I'm looking forward to that.

*nods* I've always known Dusku was a good actress - it's nice to see her getting the chance to play some broader roles.

[squeakchan.livejournal.com]

I still don't understand why the frog charged Pain. I thought he was supposed to do some kinda genjutsu? Was it the bad quality of the scan I read what made it confusing for me?

But Naruto's hands pinned like that? Sweeeet.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

If I understood correctly, Pain was sucking Naruto's chakra from him, so Naruto pulled as much sage chakra as he could, which Pain then had, which turned him into a frog, because having too much sage chakra or handling it improperly can turn you into a frog.

[squeakchan.livejournal.com]

...Was that ever explained to be a side effect earlier on when Naruto was training? Or did Kishi pull it outta his ass?

And what were the married frogs doing to help before the one got skewered?

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Yes, that was. It was why Pa Frog kept whacking Naruto with a stick. You probably don't remember, nobody was paying any attention at that point.

And what were the married frogs doing to help before the one got skewered?

Good lord, I don't know. I'm just impressed I figured out the frogification thing.

[squeakchan.livejournal.com]

Aaaah ok. I skipped like, uh, all those training chapters. >.> No Team Eight pissed me the hell off.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Most people did, I think.

[devimelete.livejournal.com]

FROG ON A STICK, PEOPLE! FROG. ON. A. STICK.

As horrible as this may sound (to me anyway since I actually like the idea of a bunch of whoopass frogs at your beckon and call), but when I saw that scene I was immediately reminded of the time when I was in New Orleans and was eating fried frog legs and discovering it actually tasted more like skinnier version of a chicken leg.

Gawd, I miss Sakura so much now. If she gets her "Fuck this shit" moment with PAIN of all people, then I'll die a happy happy woman.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

Oh, you were NOT the only one thinking about shiskabob when Pain spitted that frog.

And I'm PRAYING Sakura gets her 'fuck this shit' moment with Pain, or ends up rescuing Naruto, or something like that.