These are my favorite quotes from the past two weeks, mostly from shows currently on the air, but also other random things I happen to be watching.
Black Sails Billy: There are no two people close enough that something cannot separate them.
Max: I said no to Madam Guthrie’s plan, despite having no alternative, and at the risk of losing the entire endeavor, because I refuse to situate a man in a position where he might interfere one day with my ability to repair things with you. You are the bravest person I have ever known. The truest person I have ever known. And I betrayed you and it sickens me. I am so sorry for working so hard to protect the wrong things. For failing to see that there is nothing important that does not include you.
Jane the Virgin Xiomara: If you mean, ‘Hands off. I’ve got cobwebs down there’? Then, yeah, that’s the vibe you’ve been throwing.
The Flash Barry: Look, I don’t know who you are…obviously someone who’s quick with a knife.
Blindspot Patterson: You lied to me. You betrayed me. You destroyed me.
Tangled: The Series Cassandra: Rapunzel, I want to trust you, and I trust that you trust Eugene, but *I* don’t trust Eugene, and if I can’t trust Eugene, I can’t trust you, and you’re just going to have to trust me! …Trust me, that logic tracks.
Grace and Frankie Frankie: Nobody doesn’t need Kenny Loggins!
Saul: Those people fucked with the wrong bored old man!
I was out of town last weekend, so these are my favorite quotes from the past two weeks, mostly from shows currently on the air, but also other random things I happen to be watching.
Mercy Street Major McBurney: See that he sees to it. Dr. Hale: And I’ll see that she sees to seeing to that …sir.
Mary: A better world is coming.
Black Sails Max: How could we all have sacrificed so much and none of us has anything to show for it?
Big Little Lies Madeline:She wouldn’t leave if she knew I had cancer. Ed: Well, you don’t have cancer. Madeline: But, I’d be willing to get it.
Time After Time Wells: The man who raises his fists first is the man out of ideas.
Supergirl Kara: Supergirl is what I can do. Kara is who I am.
Travelers Mrs. Bloom: I know what happened, dear. I’m from the future.
The Flash H.R.: I found my place. It’s standing here, with these people, against you.
Barry: Fear makes us do a lot of things that we shouldn’t.
This Is Us Randall: You got white doves? Beth: They don’t make black ones, Randall.
The Americans Claudia: Nothing scares those two. Gabriel: Everything scares those two.
Legion Syd: Who teaches us to be normal when we’re one of a kind?
The Vampire Diaries Stefan: Let me do this for you. Damon: No. Stefan: Then let me do this for me. Please.
This was, unfortunately, a much harder list to put together than my lists of Jewish and Christian characters. While we have started to slowly move away from the stereotype of Muslim characters only being depicted as terrorists, there still are not very many who are lead or recurring characters on mainstream television shows. I will preface this by saying I do not watch all of these shows, so I apologize if my descriptions of any of the characters is wrong.
1. Nasir Khan – The Night Of, played by Riz Ahmed
Nasir is Pakistani-American college student, born and raised in Queens, NY, who is accused of murdering a girl on the Upper West Side. He is denied bail when the District Attorney uses his Pakistani background to claim that he is a “flight risk.”
2. Nimah and Raina Amin – Quantico, played by Yasmine Al Massri
Arab-American twin sisters from Michigan who begin training for the FBI as one person to see if they could do the same while undercover in the field. Raina is the more conservative of the two, and the one that wears a hijab.
3. Arastoo Vaziri – Bones, played by Pej Vahdat
One of the Squinterns working at the Jeffersonian, he is originally from Iran but was exiled for his political views. His family still resides in the country, and Arastoo is allowed to visit Tehran when his brother is diagnosed with a brain tumor.
4. Aliyah Shadeed – American Crime, played by Regina King
The sister of drug addict Carter Nix, who has been accused of murder, she is relentless in trying to prove her brother’s innocence. She is American-born and a convert to Islam.
These are my favorite quotes from the past week, mostly from shows currently on the air, but also other random things I happen to be watching.
Mercy Street Chaplain Hopkins: In her grief is found our purpose. To comfort, not to confront.
Supergirl M’gann: I’m brave because you showed me how to be.
Timeless
Josephine Baker: You know, Ernest calls them the Lost Generation, but I think he stole that from Gertrude. Lucy: Lost Generation. I get it.
Josephine: Oh? How so? Lucy: All seen too much violence. Aimless, confused, don’t know what’s right or wrong, good or bad.
Josephine: Sounds like you’re not just talking about them. Lucy: I’m, uh… I-I was a teacher.
Josephine: Hmm. Lucy: A good one. I loved the research, the facts. I love facts, they’re solid. You can trust them. Your personal life might be a mess, but you always have the facts. It’s like… standing on concrete. But then you realize you’re standing on quicksand, and nothing’s true.
Josephine: You know, you’re wrong about one thing. Lucy: What’s that?
Josephine: When Ernest calls them the Lost Generation, he doesn’t mean aimless. He means battered. Broke down. But getting ready to stand back up. There’s a difference. Lucy: I like that.
Wyatt: You can call it fate, or God, or the Force, but I am meant to do something. I am meant to protect the both of you. I see that now, and I will. Lucy: You realize you sound like a crazy person, right? Rufus: Mm-hmm. Wyatt: I sound like you. Lucy: Exactly.
This Is Us Sophie: You better be dying. And soon. But you’re not, are you? No. Look at you. You’re glowing. God, that’s is so annoying. Why don’t you age?
Bones Brennan: You’d think after 12 years you could handle a little viscera with your oatmeal.
These are my favorite quotes from the past few weeks, mostly from shows currently on the air, but also other random things I happen to be watching.
Shameless Frank: It’s like a family heirloom, only drugs!
Frank: Every time I look at one of you kid’s faces, I see her face looking back at me – smiling, laughing. She was strong. And you’re strong. And she was brave, and you’re brave. I know you didn’t think much of her, but…she loved you. And you wouldn’t be who you are, and I wouldn’t be who I am, if she hadn’t come into our lives. So, hate her if you want…but she’s in you, and that’s a good thing.
The Royals Eleanor: Don’t ever doubt your words again. They’re perfect. Just believe in them.
No Tomorrow Evie: You’ve convinced yourself the past doesn’t matter because you’re too afraid to confront it.
Vikings Ragnar: Everyone will always underestimate you. You must make them pay for it.
Crazyhead Raquel: Do demons like figure skating? Did you really just ask me that? Amy: I’m not familiar with their leisure pursuits.
Suzanne: Just because I died doesn’t mean we can’t snuggle.
I know you have all been waiting for this, so here is my list of returning shows that I am most looking forward to in 2017. Sometimes, I look back at these lists and mourn the shows we have lost too soon or found their natural end. Hopefully, there are not too many of them this year.
1. BONES, season 12 premieres January 3rd on Fox, Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin, T.J. Thyne, Tamara Taylor, John Boyd, Patricia Belcher, Michael Grant Terry, Eugene Byrd, Carla Gallo, Pej Vahdat, Ryan O’Neal, Joel David Moore, Ignacio Serricchio, Laura Spencer, and Eric Milligan. In this final season premiere, Dr. Brennan has been kidnapped by former squintern Zack Addy. No one knows what Zack is up to, but Agents Booth and Aubrey, with the help of the Jeffersonian team, must find her and bring her home safely. This has never been one of my “must-watch” shows, but it has been consistently well-written, and the chemistry among the entire cast is always excellent. I am interested to see how they bring this series to a close.
2. HOMELAND, season 6 premieres January 15th on Showtime, stars Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, Rupert Friend, F. Murray Abraham, Sebastian Koch, and Elizabeth Marvel. Carrie is back in the United States with Franny, and is working as an advocate for Muslim Americans. Saul and the CIA have a new President-Elect to brief, and she is not necessarily on their side. Quinn is awake, and dealing with the reality of his health situation. It all sounds like it might hit a little too close to home for our country right now, which means it should definitely be an interesting season.
3. MERCY STREET, season 2 premieres January 22nd on PBS, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, AnnaSophia Robb, McKinley Belcher III, Patina Miller, Hannah James, Norbert Leo Butz, Josh Radnor, Lyne Renée, Tara Summers, Bryce Pinkham, L. Scott Caldwell, Brían F. O’Byrne, Luke Macfarlane, Jack Falahee, Donna Murphy, Brad Koed, Gary Cole, Suzanne Bertish, Shalita Grant, and Peter Gerety. I did not watch the first season as it aired, but once I realized what a fantastic cast it had, I decided I need to give it a try. Set during the Civil War, this show takes places at a hospital in Virginia, where both Union and Confederate soldiers are treated. The nurses, doctors, and the freed slaves that work at the hospital all have differing views about what it means to do good during this time of conflict. The second season picks up in June of 1862 and everyone is realizing that things in the country are going to get much worse before they get better.
4. OUTSIDERS, season 2 premieres January 24th on WGN America, stars David Morse, Ryan Hurst, Kyle Gallner, Thomas M. Wright, Gillian Alexy, Joe Anderson, and Christina Jackson. The first season ended with a stand-off on the mountain between the Farrells and the local law enforcement and, from the trailer, it looks like there will be a pretty epic fight in the first episode back. The coal company and the town are still looking for a way to contain the Farrells, which causes some fighting within the clan. I loved the first season, and this second one looks even more action-packed, so I am very excited to see what happens next.
These are my favorite quotes from the past two weeks, mostly from shows currently on the air, but also other random things I happen to be watching.
The Last Ship Allison: What do you wanna give ’em? President Michener: Nothing. Except maybe my middle finger.
12 Monkeys Charlie: When it comes down to it, the only thing you’ll be wishing for is more time. Trust me.
Jennifer: So much for backgammon in Palm Springs!
UnReal Chet: This has to stay in the family.
Graham: What do you think, Rach? Is that okay for an act break? Tension over who to choose? Rachel: Yes, Graham, it’s fine, but don’t think, okay? It makes you look fat.
Happy Town Handsome Dan Farmer: I’m a firm believer that all of a society’s ills could be quelled if everybody just had a little pudding.
Bones Brennan: I don’t need to hear him tell me that I was right. It’s enough to know that *he* knows I was right.
These are my favorite quotes from the past week, mostly from shows currently on the air, but also other random things I happen to be watching.
Game of Thrones Grey Worm: You will not use them. They will use you. That is what they do.
Daenerys: You are small men. None of you are fit to lead the Dothraki. But I am. So I will.
Veep President Meyer: You’re gonna cancel this recount like Anne Frank’s bat mitzvah!
Jane the Virgin Rogelio: Why do you have a sex basket from my mortal enemy? Xiomara: That’s not a sex basket. Rogelio: I know a sex basket when I see one!!
Rogelio: Jane, please stop running! Your makeup will melt! Let me carry you!
Jane: No way. Then you’re makeup will melt! Rogelio: You’re right! We’ll reapply when we get there!
12 Monkeys Dr. Jones: This is what happens when you play God and you don’t know your lines.
Cassie: You are a pain in the ass in *every* time period.
Jennifer: Maybe every version of me thinks you’re kind of a bitch.
The Flash
Joe: The is where I play stupid and you explain science.
Barry: We’re supposed to think we’re something we’re not until we become that thing.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Coulson: You think vengeance is the missing piece of the puzzle, that it will make you whole again but all it does is break you further.
Lincoln: Saving the girl I love and the world at the same time? Feels pretty right to me.
These are my favorite quotes from the past week, not just from shows currently on the air, but also other random things I happen to be watching.
Supergirl Cat: Call Harrison Ford and tell him that I’m flattered but, once and for all, I do not date older men. Especially when they’re married.
Non: The human race finally has a chance to live, or it would suffer the same fate as Krypton. And the same thing is happening on Earth, with a populace more interested in reality stars and political circuses than working together to solve the world’s problems. Max: So, mind control is the answer to global warming. Why didn’t I think of that?
Cat: Hope is stronger than fear.
Blindspot Zapata: Aldebaran is the brightest star in Taurus, as in, the Taurus bull…What? I like stars and I was very unpopular in high school.
David: I’m gonna go. Paterson: I don’t want you to. David: I know. But, I’m already gone.
Castle Prince Hasheim: If one wished to keep priceless history safe from looters and terrorists, there is no better place for them to wait out the conflict than in the basement of the Smithsonian.
Castle: I think I’m all done with genies. Beckett: What? Why the change of heart? Castle: Well, because of you, of course. Beckett: Oh, really? So, after eight years, some of my common sense has finally rubbed off on you? Castle: No. No, no, no, nothing like that. Uhm, I have no need for genies simply because I already have everything I could ever wish for. Beckett: Right back atcha, handsome. Oh, wait, uhm, so you wouldn’t even wish for a working light saber? Castle: Nope. Beckett: Okay. Transporter, like the ones in Star Trek? You would never have to fly again. Castle: I like flying. Beckett: Huh. Time machine? Castle: Only to go back and fall in love with you all over again. Beckett: Wow, that was a good answer. Castle: I know, right?
iZombie Liv: Major is a zombie. Clive: Metaphorically?
Liv: A massive zombie outbreak means never having to say you’re sorry.
Vivian: Vivian Stoll, Fillmore-Graves Enterprises. Clive: Clive Babineaux, Seattle PD. This is Liv Moore from the Medical Examiner’s office. Vivian: You’re gonna be a busy girl. Major: Major Lilywhite. Personal Trainer.
Here are my favorite episodes of television from the past year in no particular order. If it is possible, there was even more good television than last year and it was very difficult to pick only eight episodes. They are not necessarily the BEST episodes from the year, just the ones that I enjoyed and the ones that affected me the most.
1. Justified – The Promise
I am not really sure what made me interested in checking out this show when it first aired. Timothy Olyphant was definitely a factor, but there just must have been something about those first trailers that drew me in. And I am so glad that they did because it quickly became one of my favorite shows on TV. Each season was engaging and they had some of the best guest stars of any show on TV. This finale not only wrapped up the season’s arc with an epic shootout, but also brought Raylan’s, Ava’s and Boyd’s stories full circle. Everyone ended up exactly where they should.
2. The Flash – Fast Enough / Arrow – Legends of Yesterday
Okay, so this is technically two episodes, but since it was a two-part crossover, I am counting them as one. There are so many things that I love about these shows, including the fact that The Flash has consistently had the best special effects of any show on TV and Arrow has the best stunts. I also really found the music in these episodes to be inspiring. It was subtle, but in the Flash episode, you could hear Arrow themes overlayed and in the Arrow episode you could hear Flash themes. It was beautiful and awesome. These episodes also introduced us to Hawkgirl, Hawkman and Vandal Savage, who will all be featured on the new series Legends of Tomorrow. I just love how these shows intertwine so seamlessly, yet still maintain their individual tones.
3. Outlander – Wentworth Prison
The performances in this episode from Sam Heughan, Caitroina Balfe and Tobias Menzies just blew me away and broke my heart. It was an incredibly difficult episode to watch, even as someone who has read the books and knew what was going to happen, but is was so well done. We saw just how evil and broken Black Jack Randall truly is and also what lengths Jamie would go to in order to protect Claire. It was an extremely powerful and moving episode of television, and one that will stay with me for a long time.
4. Playing House – Celebrate Me Scones
One word: Bosephus! This season finale also gave us Kenny Loggins and his pun-tastic green room, as well as Jeanine Willcall and a heartwrenching cliff-hanger. You would think that having one of my best friends from high school working at the network, I would be able to get *some* intel on whether or not there would be a third season, but my mind control skills do not seem to be working. I NEED MORE OF THIS AMAZING SHOW!
My TV Family 