Funny, I watched The Practice last night for the first time in ages, too. Not specifically for James Spader, but yeah, out of curiosity to see what he could do. I'm intrigued and I'll probably check it out again. Sharon Stone, otoh, was just annoying.
The online fandom is a constant melodrama. There are corners of it where I'm comfortable and have a good time. Then there are vast stretches of it that are simply hostile territory no matter who you are or who you favor or ship.
As a diehard Spike fan, I must admit I've been guilty of razzing Angel/DB on many occasions in the past. He's an easy target. And the thing of it is I don't even dislike Angel or DB. DB is no great shakes, but he's a decent enough actor. Then, I go online and I see the Spike/JM bashing and I get all defensive. Frankly, I find it mystifying because I can't imagine hating any character so much that I'd feel the need to bash him repeatedly. What does that kind of posting serve, I wonder?
FREX, Warren was a pretty despicable character, but I felt that he was so well-written and acted, that I could enjoy his villainy. His misogyny was creepy and repulsive, yet he was strangely compelling. However, he exists only as a character to me. I was appalled to hear that a fan at Moonlight Rising wanted to spit at poor Adam Busch for killing Tara! Some fans really don't have a grip on reality.
Even fans who are capable of intelligent conversation about these shows are often obvious in their unfair biases. I suppose you can't help the way you feel about things, people, tv shows, but is it too much to ask for people to think before they post? At most forums, you'll find people posting their opinions after each episode, with precious little in the way of analysis or attempt to understand the shows. Opinions and kneejerk reactions are a dime a dozen. The majority of fans simply want to be heard, regardless of what they have to say or whether they have anything to say. Some fans just want the opportunity to say "That sucked!" or "That was the best episode ever!" I keep trying to remind myself whenever I get riled up that it's really not about the shows at all, it's about us. That's why everyone is so godawful emotional about stuff that is basically not that important. Somehow we all managed to have a life before BtVS/AtS and somehow, we'll all manage to have a life after it. In the meantime, it's not a life and death situation. Or as Methos says, "Live, grow strong, fight another day."
Sometimes, it's good to jump in and fight the good fight. Other times, not so much. Pick your battles or the fandom will eat you for breakfast. That's my wise old lady voice talking.
BTW, I had such a good time at HoJo's the other night! I had a lousy day and after talking to you about BtVS/AtS for hours and hours, I remembered "hey, tv shows are fun!" Life still sucks but, I can handle it better when I'm in a good mood! Since I can't afford mood-enhancing medications, I guess I'm stuck with you and these shows!
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branchandroot
Online craziness, tv shows
Date: 2003-10-20 11:37 am (UTC)The online fandom is a constant melodrama. There are corners of it where I'm comfortable and have a good time. Then there are vast stretches of it that are simply hostile territory no matter who you are or who you favor or ship.
As a diehard Spike fan, I must admit I've been guilty of razzing Angel/DB on many occasions in the past. He's an easy target. And the thing of it is I don't even dislike Angel or DB. DB is no great shakes, but he's a decent enough actor. Then, I go online and I see the Spike/JM bashing and I get all defensive. Frankly, I find it mystifying because I can't imagine hating any character so much that I'd feel the need to bash him repeatedly. What does that kind of posting serve, I wonder?
FREX, Warren was a pretty despicable character, but I felt that he was so well-written and acted, that I could enjoy his villainy. His misogyny was creepy and repulsive, yet he was strangely compelling. However, he exists only as a character to me. I was appalled to hear that a fan at Moonlight Rising wanted to spit at poor Adam Busch for killing Tara! Some fans really don't have a grip on reality.
Even fans who are capable of intelligent conversation about these shows are often obvious in their unfair biases. I suppose you can't help the way you feel about things, people, tv shows, but is it too much to ask for people to think before they post? At most forums, you'll find people posting their opinions after each episode, with precious little in the way of analysis or attempt to understand the shows. Opinions and kneejerk reactions are a dime a dozen. The majority of fans simply want to be heard, regardless of what they have to say or whether they have anything to say. Some fans just want the opportunity to say "That sucked!" or "That was the best episode ever!" I keep trying to remind myself whenever I get riled up that it's really not about the shows at all, it's about us. That's why everyone is so godawful emotional about stuff that is basically not that important. Somehow we all managed to have a life before BtVS/AtS and somehow, we'll all manage to have a life after it. In the meantime, it's not a life and death situation. Or as Methos says, "Live, grow strong, fight another day."
Sometimes, it's good to jump in and fight the good fight. Other times, not so much. Pick your battles or the fandom will eat you for breakfast. That's my wise old lady voice talking.
BTW, I had such a good time at HoJo's the other night! I had a lousy day and after talking to you about BtVS/AtS for hours and hours, I remembered "hey, tv shows are fun!" Life still sucks but, I can handle it better when I'm in a good mood! Since I can't afford mood-enhancing medications, I guess I'm stuck with you and these shows!
Punkinpuss