A SMASHing Disaster!

Self,
So I got hooked into watching the new NBC series "SMASH" and honestly I thought it was going pretty well and I liked it.  So I couldnt wait to see Monday's episode.  Not only was I watching just for the sake of watching a show I enjoy, but I had gotten a text from a friend that he may be in one of the scenes as an extra in one of the dance numbers.  Great...I did see my friend and I'm happy for him getting that paycheck! (I'm still waiting on the GAZILLION dollars you owe me for the years of support.) LOL.

That said....I think I'm done watching the show. It looks like it's about to take a turn for the worst. It seems like the writers of the show are going to morph the token ethnic character, Ellis, played by Jaime Cepero) from the sweet innocent-like kid into the character that the show's audience is suppose to hate the most. In Monday night's episode, Ellis stole a notebook from Julia, Debra Messing's character, lied about it to cover his tracks.  After eavesdropping, Ellis is now potentially in a position to blackmail Julia. 

And on top of all that they also now may intend to possibly paint Ellis as being "on the Down Low." Ellis was introduced as possibly being homosexual who may have a crush on Tom who he works for as a personal assistant.  In Monday's episode, Ellis in a bedroom scene scantily clad with the first African-american female character who is also scantily clad, kissing. 

REALLY???

Ok.  I guess this show is meant to be structured like a soap opera, so there is bound to be some shady dirty shenanigans.  Stunts like Milty's character, Ivy Lynn, sleeping with the the play's director, Derek, JUST before she is cast in the role of Marilyn Monroe in the play. However they are leaving her a way out to still be the "good girl" (and liked/loved by the TV viewing audiance) by making it seem that she might actually have feelings for the director and not just a cold calculating woman who will do whatever it takes to get the role she wants. This character stands in opposition to Katharine McPhee's character who REFUSED to sleep with the director out of moral and proffesional ethics.  Ok So they are both appear to be of European descent thus giving the television viewing audiance the balance of the Slut versus the Saint.   However that same balance isn't offered to the viewing audiance in regards to the ethnic character...because basically there is only one which they may have just corrupted!  I don't know if the girl the Ellis was in bed with will be a recurring character but they introduced her as corrupt as well because it was kind of based on her suggestion that Ellis decided to steal the notebook.

 

No one else may have a problem with this but to the writers/producers/casting crew of SMASH I'd like to say, if you are going to criminalize an your token ethnic in a show, you should first make sure you also establish other ethnic characters as upright standing citizens.  The show may get one more episode out of me to see if they redeem themselves...if not I won't watch anymore.


Sincerely,

Pharoah

PS isn't Cepero picture here kinda sexy?

Heartbreaking.

Self,

I recently saw the movie, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close."

I really have no words for this movie.... but, the boy needs an Oscar!

There were scenes where I was completely weeping for this kid.  I mean there were moment when I sat there holding my breath as tears rolled down my face.  I had to fight to keep from sobbing, moaning, and wailing.

Sincerely,
Pharoah

And the Dragon ate Cake.

Self,
Happy New Year.....again....lol twice over!

As I've expressed before, I unofficially use my birthday as a means to mark the passing of years.  Mostly remind myself that every age I obtain is a blessing in itself because not everyone gets to see that age.  This year I turned 35.  So Happy Birthday to me and Happy New Year!  I didn't really do much for my actual birthday. I took the day off from work which gave me the chance to sleep-in and spend most of the day lounging on the sofa in front of the television.

Along with all the wonderful birthday wishes that I received through out the day, my brother's girlfriend was thoughtful enough to have baked a cake for me on my birthday.  Overall it was a good day.

So the other Happy New Year is corresponds to Chinese New Year.....The year of the Dragon!  As it turns out I was also born in the year of the Dragon...and I was told that this should be a very eventful year for me.  Which may hold true if things go as I hope, I should buy a house this year, there's a couple discussion of trips on the table - one of which should be international, and who knows what else!

I'm sure it's common knowledge that the Chinese calendar is lunar based and the date of the new year changes due to the cycle of the moon.  Although I am not sure how often it occurs but I'm sure it only happens to a select few...but as best as I can tell...I'll actually celebrate my birthday twice this year!  The year of the Dragon started Jan 23 2012 (before my 35th bday) and will end like Feb 2 2013 (after my 36th bday.)  There has to be some sort of good omen to that, right???  I'll wait and see.

Sincerely,
Pharoah