Kleo Reviews TV - NEIGHBORS
August 10th 2007 03:30
Please excuse me while I post on this extremely selfish topic.
My Mum has always had a knack of telling me whats appropriate TV and whats not. From an early age, she drilled into me that action movies(particularly if they feature Arnie or Sly) are utter rubbish, a vast array of other genres and most importantly villified singularly and seemingly without merit - neighbors.
So, of course, in true genetic fashion, Arnie and Sly have become my much loved heroes, I adore action movies, Anime (which she does not consider 'appropriate') horror, and much more. Her brainwashing of neighbors really stuck however, and I steered clear of the 'rubbish' for a very long time.
It was the summer of 2004 that neighbors just happened to be on when I got home from work. It was normally starting just as I got out of the shower, when Kman and I would take our much needed after work wind down, chat about our day and begin on our preferred recreational substances.
Somehow....I started watching. It was the evil Paul Robinsn who hooked me, Oh, the deviousness of him! I was hooked, I couldnt look away. What would he do next? Suddenly I was rushing home to be in time for it. To be ready and waiting, Icy cruiser in one hand, room full of smoke, for that all important starting music.
Over the years I have adjusted my day so that neighbors is my 'dont talk to me' time. I arrange things so I am always free for that all important half hour. I know, its not the most intelligent Tv, its a soapie, YES, whatever.
Its a barrel of fun! Ive heard it said, and read on the website, that the fascination with neighbors seems to be that nothing REALLY bad happens. Oh, sure, its full of drama, its melodramatic even, but its not like watching a crime show. The only one of those I can stand is NCIS, and thats mostly due to Abby and Zeba.
For me, it is the deep sense of COMMUNITY. When Stingray died, the whole street came together, with Harold and Susan cooking for the Timmons family, others picking up household chores. Its like having a massively extended family living on Ramsey st. Now, my mum always says shed rather not know her neighbors, and Im a bit solitary that way myself. Every person is a potential enemy before a friend. However Im captured by this fantasy - the togetherness.
And all of this bummy chummy love and support would get a bit ipigak if it wasnt for the evil characters - The unstoppable Elle Robinson(doesnt she look like a little Nicloe Kidman? I think shes so cute) Karl's slimy boss whos playing evil just how I like it, and the new and super manipulative Declan.
The love of Rosie and Frazer has captured me too - Now Rosies character fully comes into flower. The hard nosed and cynical lawyer seemed a little rusty in the role until she found love in Frazer, now the contrasts of her personality seem perfect. Frazer himself is one of my favourite characters, gorgeous to look at (he looks a bit like Kman) and always knowing what to say.
The one issue I have with neighbors is that one of the writers seems to have a thing against horses. Years ago Drew died after slipping off the back of the saddle on to his bum. I cant tell you how many times Ive done that or seen people do it - its hardly life threatening! Also Frazer has just managed to extricate himself from his wheelchair - and a horse put him there. It knocked him in the shoulder from a flat out gallop - Boom! He's in a wheelchair! Getting sideswiped like that happens to me at least 10 times in a day.
But I can forgive, as so obviously many other factors in the show are not true to reality - and thats what makes it wonderful. Hospital scenes, gaol scenes and police scenes often fail entirely or feel forced because most of us just know it doesnt happen like that. Within social and family settings however, the fantasy and realisim blend(perfectly!) into something thats utterly believable.
Once, Kman said, "what are the odds of so many people with such weird problems being on the one street?" I gave him a wry look, and said "look at me. Everything thats ever happened to me. Then think about the house next door. How long our street is and everyone on it" He had a think and agreed - its very possible we live on our own ramsey street!
Im not sure I agree with the new structure - I still have to warm to the new family but its happening. I also did not like the sudden exodus of Timmon's family to QLD - The whole Bally lot of them! I was really enjoying Styger and Janelle - they reminded me of me and Kman.
So, for me its an extremely realistic view of human nature and interaction blended with a remarkable fantasy - Living on a street where people are interested in what youve got to say, because they love you.
It all came together on the one scene for me. I think it was after Stingray died, the whole street was out and about and Harold and Susan were talking. She says "Oh, Ive still got that salad bowl of yours - would you like to come and get it now?" and Harold says yes and off they go, more than likely have a cup of tea and a chat as well. When was the last time that happened in a real street? Taking the time to have a chat with a neighbor, because this is whats WORTH time.
And, I also love how every one can drink at any time of day - at home, at Charlies or at Lassiders, and no one ever seems to be drunk. They crack out the beers and bubbly first thing in the morning on Ramsey Street!
Isnt that enough to make you want to live there?
My Mum has always had a knack of telling me whats appropriate TV and whats not. From an early age, she drilled into me that action movies(particularly if they feature Arnie or Sly) are utter rubbish, a vast array of other genres and most importantly villified singularly and seemingly without merit - neighbors.
So, of course, in true genetic fashion, Arnie and Sly have become my much loved heroes, I adore action movies, Anime (which she does not consider 'appropriate') horror, and much more. Her brainwashing of neighbors really stuck however, and I steered clear of the 'rubbish' for a very long time.
It was the summer of 2004 that neighbors just happened to be on when I got home from work. It was normally starting just as I got out of the shower, when Kman and I would take our much needed after work wind down, chat about our day and begin on our preferred recreational substances.
Somehow....I started watching. It was the evil Paul Robinsn who hooked me, Oh, the deviousness of him! I was hooked, I couldnt look away. What would he do next? Suddenly I was rushing home to be in time for it. To be ready and waiting, Icy cruiser in one hand, room full of smoke, for that all important starting music.
Over the years I have adjusted my day so that neighbors is my 'dont talk to me' time. I arrange things so I am always free for that all important half hour. I know, its not the most intelligent Tv, its a soapie, YES, whatever.
Its a barrel of fun! Ive heard it said, and read on the website, that the fascination with neighbors seems to be that nothing REALLY bad happens. Oh, sure, its full of drama, its melodramatic even, but its not like watching a crime show. The only one of those I can stand is NCIS, and thats mostly due to Abby and Zeba.
For me, it is the deep sense of COMMUNITY. When Stingray died, the whole street came together, with Harold and Susan cooking for the Timmons family, others picking up household chores. Its like having a massively extended family living on Ramsey st. Now, my mum always says shed rather not know her neighbors, and Im a bit solitary that way myself. Every person is a potential enemy before a friend. However Im captured by this fantasy - the togetherness.
And all of this bummy chummy love and support would get a bit ipigak if it wasnt for the evil characters - The unstoppable Elle Robinson(doesnt she look like a little Nicloe Kidman? I think shes so cute) Karl's slimy boss whos playing evil just how I like it, and the new and super manipulative Declan.
The love of Rosie and Frazer has captured me too - Now Rosies character fully comes into flower. The hard nosed and cynical lawyer seemed a little rusty in the role until she found love in Frazer, now the contrasts of her personality seem perfect. Frazer himself is one of my favourite characters, gorgeous to look at (he looks a bit like Kman) and always knowing what to say.
The one issue I have with neighbors is that one of the writers seems to have a thing against horses. Years ago Drew died after slipping off the back of the saddle on to his bum. I cant tell you how many times Ive done that or seen people do it - its hardly life threatening! Also Frazer has just managed to extricate himself from his wheelchair - and a horse put him there. It knocked him in the shoulder from a flat out gallop - Boom! He's in a wheelchair! Getting sideswiped like that happens to me at least 10 times in a day.
But I can forgive, as so obviously many other factors in the show are not true to reality - and thats what makes it wonderful. Hospital scenes, gaol scenes and police scenes often fail entirely or feel forced because most of us just know it doesnt happen like that. Within social and family settings however, the fantasy and realisim blend(perfectly!) into something thats utterly believable.
Once, Kman said, "what are the odds of so many people with such weird problems being on the one street?" I gave him a wry look, and said "look at me. Everything thats ever happened to me. Then think about the house next door. How long our street is and everyone on it" He had a think and agreed - its very possible we live on our own ramsey street!
Im not sure I agree with the new structure - I still have to warm to the new family but its happening. I also did not like the sudden exodus of Timmon's family to QLD - The whole Bally lot of them! I was really enjoying Styger and Janelle - they reminded me of me and Kman.
So, for me its an extremely realistic view of human nature and interaction blended with a remarkable fantasy - Living on a street where people are interested in what youve got to say, because they love you.
It all came together on the one scene for me. I think it was after Stingray died, the whole street was out and about and Harold and Susan were talking. She says "Oh, Ive still got that salad bowl of yours - would you like to come and get it now?" and Harold says yes and off they go, more than likely have a cup of tea and a chat as well. When was the last time that happened in a real street? Taking the time to have a chat with a neighbor, because this is whats WORTH time.
And, I also love how every one can drink at any time of day - at home, at Charlies or at Lassiders, and no one ever seems to be drunk. They crack out the beers and bubbly first thing in the morning on Ramsey Street!
Isnt that enough to make you want to live there?
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Byeee
Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
there are a few shows that I have for "me time" too and there's nothing wrong with that!
LOL
My house comes to an absolute standstill when Stargate SG-1 airs...
*Snicker*
Benn "into" that show for years!
Take care,
Nick
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Yep, Im a Big Brother freak... Watched it through to the end! I like having Up late on while Im up and about.
Nick,
I agree, Stargate is worth stopping for! Love it! Great to see you!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
As Nick said, I'm also a fan of 'me time', so I have my regular progs that I'm addicted to on Foxtel. A lot of my faves are on UK-TV - i'm originally from England/Wales so that's where my addictions were formed
I sometimes watched the up late BB in the background like you said and I always watched the evictions....
Byeee
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Dont mention foxtel. I adore it but cant afford it....And if I could afford it I wouldnt have time to watch it!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Finally saw transformers on Sunday. Loved it and I ate popcorn and choc tops WHOOHOOO!!
I REALLY miss 'Adult Swim' when Kman and I first got together we never missed it, we practically lived in his parents loungeroom watching foxtel!
Now? I see the ads and tv programs and I just think, man, I dont think Id ever move! All my favourite programs....Not to mention MARATHONS!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life