What's Your Pleasure? (Top Five meme answers, Part 3)

[sinkwriter]

Annnnd I'm back. Top Five Meme. Yadda yadda.

This Top Five is in response to the fantastic krazykitkat. Cheers, beautiful! ;)


Top Five Pairings

What goes well together? Peanut butter and jelly. Eggs and bacon. Maple syrup and French toast. The stars and the moon. Ernie and Bert.

Oh, do you mean romantic pairings? (I tease, I tease! *GRIN*) Okay, let me try again. Although, I personally find maple syrup and French toast to be a very romantic coupling. Yummy.

Seriously now...

* Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, from The X-Files. The first duo I ever admired the hell out of, they seemed so different from the usual partners on TV at the time. I'd never seen a show that didn't immediately try to 'hook up' their male and female lead characters. That this show didn't do that impressed me more than I can say. Their relationship was all about trust and respect before anything else, and the approach to their relationship was all about subtle looks and touches, never too much, never too overt, which made every moment rife with meaning, every connection emotionally touching for me as a viewer. They're two of the very best characters, ever. Actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are superb.

* Aeryn Sun and John Crichton, from Farscape. If ever there were two people who could rival my love for Mulder and Scully, it's these two characters. I'm new to this already-complete TV program, but I have fallen in love with it, due to the unique character connections and fascinating stories going on, but most especially, for the relationship between these two characters. Aeryn starts out this hard, structured, bad-ass warrior (which is very cool); John contrasts her as an emotional, curious, fish-out-of-water scientist trapped in Aeryn's strange world. While they maintain their core character traits, they also manage to evolve magnificently, each taking incremental steps, understandably shifting and changing because of each other and the things that they experience together. It's gorgeous to watch. I confess, I'm a little bit in love with actors Claudia Black and Ben Browder. Do you think they'll let me marry them both? ;)

* Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I never thought anyone could match the endearing relationship between Willow and her boyfriend Oz, but I was wrong. After Oz left Sunnydale, Willow met Tara, and it became the sweetest, most adorable coupling ever. Loyal, gentle Tara and magickal, brave Willow. This statement is debatable, of course, given that public television generally has been a big wussy coward about allowing for presentation of romantic partnerships alternative to heterosexual ones, so there aren't many to compare Willow and Tara to, but... at this time, I'm not sure any other show has written a relationship between two women so lovingly. Not to my knowledge, anyway. At any rate, these two women are beautiful to watch together, and I hold that pairing dear to my heart. Ginormous applause to Alyson Hannigan and Amber Benson for their wonderful portrayals.

* Zoë and Wash, from Firefly. *happy sigh* Funny and sexy, that's these two. Again, two characters whose personalities go against the old stereotype. (Maybe the strong, smart woman / emotional, funny man is becoming the new stereotype? No matter, because I happen to like watching it very much.) She's a majestic, brave, battle-scarred military vet, all steely, powerful and sharp. He's a witty, sarcastic, sweet pilot who can fly pretty much anything in the universe with the most remarkable skill. She's black, he's white. She's hard, he's soft. She's dry-witted, he's a goofball. He adores her. Meanwhile, at first meet, she couldn't stand the guy; she said something about him "bothered" her. Hehhh. But when his life is in danger, she chooses him first, fighting for him without hesitation. Theirs is not some cheesy, fake, overly perfect TV romance. They argue like a real couple would, and they sort things through and come together in a way that feels natural and really lovely. Despite all their contrasts, they find a way to make their marriage work, and their love for each other is undeniable. LOVE these two so much.

* Toby Ziegler and CJ Cregg, from The West Wing. Okay, it's true... in the seven years that show was on the air, Toby and CJ were never romantically involved. However, they're still a terrific pairing worthy of mention. It's well-established on the program that they have a twenty-year friendship, which is remarkable enough in its own esteem. Their camaraderie is also hilarious and charming, flirty and fun, loving and honest. They work with each other. They flirt with each other. They respect and trust each other. It's really fantastic to see a male-female relationship that can be professional and comfortable, one that isn't forced into a cheesy romance for the sake of ratings, but at the same time they would have made one hell of an unconventional yet very sexy partnership, if given the chance to play that way. I cannot overstate just how much I adore actors Richard Schiff and Allison Janney. They are magnificently first-rate. Pure class.

I will mention one runner-up pairing. That distinction goes to Jack Hodgins and Angela Montenegro from Bones, for their wonderful, challenging, romantic courtship and early romance. They would have been in my Top Five if show creator Hart Hanson hadn't dropped the ball on continuing to develop their characters after they got together. It's like he forgot what made them unique and intriguing as individuals, and allowed their relationship to fall to ridiculous cliché. They stopped evolving almost completely because they no longer had well-written storylines of their own -- they became sidekicks used almost solely to force the Booth/Brennan romantic partnership, which didn't need that kind of over-the-top pushing. Such a waste of two talented actors (TJ Thyne and Michaela Conlin) and two interesting characters. Damn it.


Top Five Current TV Shows

* How I Met Your Mother.

Because the entire cast is talented. Because their antics are hilarious and make me laugh out loud. (The Pineapple Incident and Slap Bet episodes alone are worth the price of admission.) Because Neil Patrick Harris is still one of my favorites, years after I loved him as Doogie Howser, M.D., and he's only gotten better and better with age and experience. Because Marshall's cuddly, bitch, so deal with it! (You have to know the show to fully appreciate that borrowed line. Heee.) Because no matter what others may think, I actually have great affection for Ted, and I look forward to seeing him find his ultimate romantic match.

* NCIS.

Because they fulfill for me what Bones isn't anymore: they're all about character, character, character, and they generally don't forget those relationships. They write consistent characterizations. They haven't forgotten who the characters are or how they behave, but they also allow each one to continue to develop incrementally in understandable ways over the course of the series. Besides, the characters are fun: they've got a spider web-tattooed, pigtailed Goth lab scientist; a medical examiner who talks lovingly and respectfully (albeit oddly) to his corpses; a boss with a freakish coffee addiction and a powerful glare; a sweetheart techie geek who has actually developed a backbone and has marvelously contradicted some stereotypes; a bad-ass, Moussad ninja chick who could kill you with a paperclip; and a second-in-command whose frat boy behaviors, jokes, and constant movie references hide the fact that he's actually a smart and capable federal agent who occasionally does in fact know what he's doing. I wasn't planning to watch this program, but in the course of the past six months, I've come to love it very much. I'm so glad I started watching.

* Supernatural.

Another show I hadn't intended on watching, I thought I'd check it out once and be done with it. I thought I would confirm my suspicions that the show was going to be all MTV video-like style and no substance, that it would be two handsome leading men with no demonstrative acting skills coasting on their looks, blandly acting out lame stories written with no real depth. On behalf of everyone involved with the production of SPN, I sincerely and whole-heartedly apologize because I was wrong, I was wrong, I was so very wrong. Actors Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki are attractive, it's true, but they're also talented and dedicated performers who do an excellent job enveloping their roles. And while the show's writing is sometimes inconsistent (season 3, especially), they came back in season 4 with remarkable focus and vision, and provided a fascinating story arc. When the show is crappy, it's still got good acting efforts that pull it through, but when the show is good, it's very, very good. Exciting, tense, interesting and surprisingly emotional (considering the two leading roles are both men). I recommend it highly.

* Doctor Who (the new series with David Tennant, and Chris Eccleston before him).

Because two men have occupied the Doctor role (in the new version of this series) and they each made the role fascinatingly unique. Because the Doctor is so beautifully, heart-breakingly in love with humanity, and wants desperately to see it evolve in a positive way. Because he can be rakishly sexy and hilariously dorky in the very same scene. Because he's clueless when it comes to his female Companions. Because Rose, Martha and Donna all helped to save the world, and each woman made me weep with joy and sorrow for her. Because it's fun and romantic: he's got the TARDIS, and the sonic screwdriver, and he carries the promise of seeing new and exciting worlds beyond our wildest imaginations.

* The Mentalist.

Because I've liked Simon Baker since his brief yet highly memorable turn in the film L.A. Confidental, and through his talent and charm he owns this program. Without him, there would be no show. Why else do I watch? Because Cho's deadpan humor makes me laugh so hard. Because I hope Rigsby and VanPelt get together, somehow, someday. Because I want Patrick Jane to catch Red John, but not too soon, because I'm intrigued by his spiral into frightening obsession over the case. Because I'm curious to see where the show goes next.

Runner-up: Castle.

Because it's very new but it's got Nathan Fillion from Firefly, and he is the stuff of Awesome. Also, it's the kind of show that could easily fall into cheesy, overly fluffy romantic comedy territory, but Nathan and actress Stana Katic are strong actors who know what they're doing, so they're able to convey so much more than the expected actions and reactions. Why else? Because I adore the relationship between Castle and his daughter. And because, like with The Mentalist, I was intrigued by the season finale and genuinely want to see what happens next.

A side note: again, Bones would have ranked, had the show's creator not completely forgotten who his characters are and how to write them well. He took the show on a total 180 spin into over-the-top, out of character territory, then crashed it into a brick wall. So frustrating and horrifying to watch, when we used to see all the characters connect as a team and with each other as individuals so beautifully in the first two seasons. What the hell, Hart? What the hell. *grumble*


Top Five Moments of The West Wing

Oh, man! Too hard, too hard! There are so many amazing moments from this show! Okay, I'll try, but just know that this in no way covers them all. It's impossible.

(And Kat knows that very well, being a WW fan herself. Heee.)

Let's see...

* Richard Schiff in "In Excelsis Deo." That's not really a moment, but that's because every single moment he's on screen in this episode is so damn good, due to his fantastic performance. I give great props to: his scene with Martin Sheen where he sheepishly admits he used the President's name in order to secure the military honors funeral for the homeless man; the moment where Mrs. Landingham wants to go with him to the funeral (*cut to me choking back a sob*); and most especially, the impressively natural hand gesture that conveys SO much about Toby's character, used by Schiff during the scene when he's talking to the deceased veteran's brother. He can barely get out the words to explain that he has the connections to help the guy: "I'm a very... powerful person." With every little tic and subtle facial expression, the embarrassment he expresses just saying those words to a homeless man is magnificent. I cannot properly explain how much I love Richard's work in this episode. It's one of the reasons I began to look differently at his character and appreciate Toby Ziegler in new ways. It's the reason I ever started writing fan fiction -- before that, I'd barely heard of it and had never considered writing it before, but he inspired me so much, I had to express that somehow. This performance is a MUST SEE.

* From the same episode "In Excelsis Deo," for Christmas Josh gives an antique book about skiing to his assistant Donna. It seems like a slightly cruel joke at first, because we all know she wanted actual skiis (and all the ski equipment that goes with it, heh), but all it took was one turn to the presumably heartfelt inscription he wrote for her on the inside cover, and it's the most romantic gesture between two characters who aren't even dating on the show. We don't even need to know what he wrote (and we never find out) -- the emotionally moved expression on Donna's face says volumes. The hug she gives him afterwards completes it, as does this hilarious and sweet exchange that says so much about their relationship:

DONNA: You see? You spend most of your time being, you know, you. Then you write something like this to me. (tearfully) Thank you.
JOSH: (his face buried in her shoulder) I meant it.
DONNA: (after a pause) Skiis would have killed you?
JOSH: Yeah.

Also, the way he goes into his office and then peeks back out to find that she's still sitting there, rereading what he wrote to her is an extra character bit that is so lovely and endearing. A classic moment that continues the nudge for these two characters to eventually get together. It just takes them a really long time to find their way to each other, which is agonizing yet totally worth it.

* The episode: "Noël." Say these five words to any West Wing fan -- "The guy in the hole" -- and he or she will immediately know what you are talking about. That's how emotionally effective this moment is. One of the most wonderful aspects of West Wing is the writers' ability to convey the deeply felt, unwaveringly loyal friendships amongst the show's characters. Leo's brief story told to convey that he will watch out for Josh and get him through his terrible PTSD struggle is just so fucking beautiful. This monologue (spoken perfectly by the incomparable John Spencer) deserves to be honored over and over again, so I'm going to post it here --

LEO: This guy's walking down a street, when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep, he can't get out. A doctor passes by, and the guy shouts up, "Hey you! Can you help me out?" The doctor writes him a prescription, throws it down the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along and the guy shouts up, "Father, I'm down in this hole, can you help me out?" The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by. "Hey Joe, it's me, can you help me out?" And the friend jumps in the hole! Our guy says, "Are you stupid? Now we're both down here!" and the friend says, "Yeah, but I've been down here before, and I know the way out." (meaningful pause) As long as I got a job, you got a job, you understand?

*clutches heart* It breaks me every single time. It's just the most spot-on, amazing moment. So moving. Another must-see, without question.

* "The Jackal." Two words, and again West Wing fans immediately will know what you're talking about. In the episode "Six Meetings Before Lunch," we find that after months of work to get a judge confirmed to the Supreme Court, our West Wing staffers are exhausted and relieved. As the final votes are tallied and their candidate is at long last ceremonially appointed, they're all in the mood to celebrate. And they do, hilariously, as Press Secretary CJ Cregg dances and lip-syncs for all of them to the funky, bizarre jazz tune "The Jackal." Apparently, this is something she does whenever they have something big to celebrate (which, sadly, is a rare occasion, heh), and everyone loves it. We know this because before the scene actually occurs, everyone's reminding everyone else, "Hurry up, because CJ's gonna do The Jackal," and according to Sam, it's a sight to see: "...believe me, if you haven't seen CJ do 'The Jackal,' then you haven't seen Shakespeare the way it was meant to be done." No wonder no one on staff wants to miss it -- it's funny, it's odd, and it's really fun to watch. All eyes are on her, and Allison Janney (as CJ) rocks the house. And as I mentioned the awesome friendship between CJ and Toby in the above Top Five Pairings section, it's important to note how giddy Toby is to see her do this song (because Toby is never giddy about anything). When Josh tries to get his attention, a shocked Toby says, "Are you talking to me... during 'The Jackal'? Never talk to me during 'The Jackal'!" Awesome stuff. Trust me, you won't forget this scene. It's so funny.

* Coming off the exciting season one finale "What Kind Of Day Has It Been?" it seems impossible that the writers could come up with anything more intense, upon return at the start of season 2. Wrong! From the powerhouse two-part episode entitled "In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen," the moment when Toby finds Josh at the top of the stairs... I see the devastated look on Toby's face and I am done. Gone. Broken, just as he is, just as Josh is. It's a catalyst for the first three episodes of Season 2 and provides another example of just how talented all these cast members are: Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Martin Sheen and John Spencer. Each one beautifully and intensely conveys the shattering emotional effects this incident has had on their characters. This pivotal, raw, jaw-dropping moment occurs about five minutes into the first episode of Season 2, and it is UNFORGETTABLE. I can't say any more about it, you just have to see it. It's too good to be missed.

There are many other moments from this show that are so effective and powerful, I wish I could name them all. As it was, I had to leave out all the tiny moments shared between characters, where their friendships are demonstrated with loving attention and gorgeous care. To honor that, I'll leave you with a bunch of memorable quotes. If you haven't seen the show, one of these lines may strike your fancy, tickle your funny bone, and (one hopes) entice you to check out the program for yourself.

* From "Somebody's Going To Emergency, Somebody's Going To Jail"

TOBY: You negotiated that?
CJ: Yeah.
TOBY: They agreed to it?
CJ: You wanna make out with me right now, don't you?
TOBY: Well, when don't I?

* From "A Proportional Response"

PRESIDENT BARTLET: Oh, man, Leo. When I think of all the work you put in to get me to run, when I think of all the work you did to get me elected... I could pummel your ass with a baseball bat. (both men start laughing)

* From "The Crackpots and These Women"

CJ: There's an article I want you to read in The New Yorker.
JOSH: What's it about?
CJ: Small pox.
JOSH: The disease?
CJ: No, the dessert topping, Josh. Yes, the disease!

TOBY: Was David Rosen your first choice for my job?
PRESIDENT BARTLET: (looking away) Yes.
TOBY: (laughing humorlessly) Well, I'm glad we had this little talk, sir. I feel a lot better. Thank you, sir.
BARTLET: We were up all night on that one, Toby. Me and Leo and Josh. They were screaming at me, "Governor, for God's sakes, it's got to be Toby. It's got to be Toby." When I held my ground, and we went to David Rosen, and Rosen said he wanted to take a partnership at Solomon Brothers... thank God. (pause) I couldn't live without you, Toby. I mean it. I'd be in the tall grass. I'd be in the weeds... I know I disappoint you sometimes. I mean, I can sense your disappointment. And I only get mad because I know you're right a lot of the times. But you are not the kid in the class with his hand up and whatever it was you said to CJ. You are a wise and brilliant man, Toby...

* From "Lord John Marbury"

TOBY: I feel that I didn't have the opportunity to properly articulate my argument.
CJ: Either I'm a trusted member of the Communications staff or I'm not, Toby. What was your argument?
TOBY: That was my argument.
CJ: That wasn't your argument.
TOBY: It was my argument a little while ago, when I was arguing in my head.
CJ: Are you apologizing?
TOBY: Yes.
(long pause)
CJ: Well?
TOBY: What?
CJ: Apologize!
TOBY: I'm sorry!
CJ: God!
TOBY: I was trying to do it nicer than that.

(Speaking this way to an unethical senator... Go, Sam! *GRIN*)
SAM: You're a cheap hack. And if you come after Leo, I'm gonna bust you like a piñata.

* From "Shibboleth"

(A gift from the president to his aide)
PRESIDENT BARTLET: Charlie, my father gave this to me, and his father gave it to him, and now I'm giving it to you. (hands him a knife case) Take a look.
(Charlie opens it to reveal a hand-crafted carving knife set)
BARTLET: The fully tapered bolster allows for sharpening the entire edge of the blade.
CHARLIE: It says, "P.R." I thought I knew all, but I don't recognize the manufacturer.
BARTLET: Yeah. This was made for my family by a Boston silversmith named Paul Revere.
(Charlie stares at the President in awe. Bartlet simply smiles.)

* From "Let Bartlet Be Bartlet"

Each character says this in some variation in a pivotal moment at the end of the episode, and it's incredibly moving: "I serve at the pleasure of the President."

* From "Mandatory Minimums"

TOBY: Where is this place?
SAM: What place?
TOBY: The breakfast place.
SAM: It's still on the last street.
TOBY: Why didn't you say anything?
SAM: We were having a nice conversation.

* From "The Midterms"

TOBY: I have a draft here. I was going to rewrite it.
CJ: I thought I was going to have it by the end of the day.
TOBY: (short-tempered) The day's not over yet.
CJ: (pointedly) You know, Toby, these pieces everyone wants to do on the psychological aftermath of the shooting for the White House staff, they had me thinking... do you think there might be a psychological aftermath and we're not paying attention to it?
TOBY: CJ, I really don't have time to have this conversation.
CJ: I'm saying, I think you should have this conversation with somebody.
TOBY: You think my problem is psychological?
CJ: I think you're the Director of Communications and you've been ignoring operational responsibilities --
TOBY: That's crap.
CJ: -- so you can behave like the Director of the FBI.
TOBY: Well, I'm waiting for the Director of the FBI to behave that way.
CJ: Toby...
TOBY: (getting agitated) I'm waiting for the Justice Department to behave that way! I'm waiting for Congress to behave that way! I'm waiting for the White House to behave that way!
CJ: You wanna lock up everybody with a white sheet?
TOBY: Yes, I do. Yes, I do! Who has a problem with that? Bring 'em to me, right now. YES, I DO!

* From "Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics"

PRESIDENT BARTLET: Toby, are you sticking up for Sam?
TOBY: I know it's strange, sir, but I'm feeling a... certain big brotherly connection right now. You know, obviously, I'd like that feeling to go away as soon as possible.

* From "Enemies"

TOBY: Alright... it couldn't have gone far, right?
SAM: No.
TOBY: Somewhere in this building... is our talent.

♥

Thanks for indulging my serious love for this show. ;)


And finally...

Top Five Role Models (real-life or fictional)

* My friends Sonnett and David. Because they are smart, fun, hilarious, clever, superbly creative people who inspire me every time I spend a day with them. Whenever we make plans, I get genuinely giddy to see them, and the time spent never seems like enough. I feel such peace when I'm around them. I feel the freedom to completely be myself because they 'get' me and they don't judge me. They talk with me and listen to me and encourage me in every endeavor. And the lovely example they provide by the way they live their lives is how I want to live my life. They have the most gorgeous energy, and I want to close my eyes and take it in like fresh air. I love you guys. ♥

* My friend Susan. Because we INFJs need to stick together. *wink* Because I worship you and your awesome brain and your magnificent way with words. You always seem to find exactly the right way to express things, whether it's in comfort when I'm stressed, in glee when we're enjoying a delightfully fun, lengthy conversation, or through your magnificent writings, uncovering the perfect metaphor or simile to convey a character's innermost thoughts and actions in a story. You are brilliant and fantastic, and I learn so much from you. You remind me to keep trying, and no matter how much I still have to learn -- about writing and about life -- you never treat me like a fool or an inferior. I love the friendship we have, the encouraging give and take, the talks about writing and characters and nature and life and whatever strikes us and tickles our fancies to discuss. Who'd have thought a TV show and a handful of fascinating characters could bring two people together this way? And they say TV's no good for you. *laughs uproariously and hugs you*

* My father and mother. Because I've learned a lot from them -- the value and definition of family, how to behave, how not to behave (heh), what's important in life and what's not -- and for better or for worse, I wouldn't be who I am today without them. Even though our relationship is sometimes complex, even though what I want to do with my life is sometimes different from their choices, the ultimate truth is that they both love me very much, and when it comes down to it, I know they will always be there for me if and when I need them. (It's important to remember that, even as they're pushing my buttons. HAHAHA)

* The cast and crew of Farscape, believe it or not. Because they all loved what they did, working on that show, and everyone involved with the making of it gave their all, not just from the pilot until they got sick of their characters but from start to grand finish. They worked hard, they loved their characters (and hilariously adored each other's characters, too), and they were eager to try anything and everything if it was right for the development of their characters, the scene, the story arc, the overall program, all of it. They knew their characters inside and out, and it was so important to them to do their jobs well. Not an ounce of pretention or arrogance about it... just pure professionalism. And even years afterward, they love to talk about every aspect of it. They know the names of the crew and the guest cast members, they can still spout off the episode titles and what happened in each, and they're clearly just as big of fans of the program as the actual fans are (and not embarrassed to be, which contrasts greatly from actors on other programs who sometimes get bored with their characters and want to denounce their involvement once they're done). I have so much respect for people who love what they do, genuinely and whole-heartedly, and give 200%. It's a very good lesson.

* Everyone on my friends-list and in communities and forums all over LJ and everywhere. Because you remind me every day, with your posts and commentaries, that each of us has a place in this world, each of us has a story to tell, each of us has different talents and backgrounds and experiences to offer, each of us is interesting and unique and lovely in our own ways. Even when we're just posting about what we had for lunch. LOL. All joking aside, it's important to remember that, especially when feeling disconnected or lonely or lacking in self-esteem. We are all the stuff of Awesome in our own ways! And to borrow from The X-Files... we are not alone in this world. (Heee.) Thanks for coming along with me on this bizarre journey.


And that's it for part 3! readthesubtext, I've saved you for last because you asked the most questions and I'm still working on them. I swear, I oughta ask you some more in retribution because the ones you asked have been really tough to narrow down to only five! I'm workin' on it, I'm workin' on it. *laughing uproariously*

Until next time... have a gorgeous day, everyone! ♥