Season/Episode: S1.E2
Channel: ABC
Genre: reality tv
Main Characters: Joan Vassos

THE GOLDEN BACHELORETTE – Joan’s suitors settle into the bachelor mansion and prepare for an exciting week of dates, including a group date down memory lane to relive their senior prom, a magical one-on-one at Disneyland Resort, and the Second Annual Golden Talent Showcase. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Yellowshoes)
JOAN VASSOS

The Plot or purpose:

• A golden bachelorette goes on a series of one-on-one and group dates in her search for the one suitor to marry.

The main story line or message is:

• Have fun at any age as you find your special loved one for life.

The best (worst) bit is about:

• The suitors are all distinguished, emotionally expressive, outgoing, friendly, and fun. I thought it was great that the suitors had other women as company at a prom, rather than just the Golden Bachelorette. However, the storyline of the Golden Bachelorette is to find one suitor for the rest of your life, while going on a series of group and one-on-one dates. The worst part is that the men may have sloppy seconds in the form of a kiss, which I am not ok.

I enjoyed (I didn't enjoy) watching this programme because:

• I thought it was weird to go back to prom, especially held at a high school that most of the suitors have attended. Although, Taylor Dayne made the prom one of a kind. Let's face it, Taylor Dayne is hot. I thought it was interesting to learn that one of the suitors once dated Taylor Dayne. I thought it was touching to hear more stories from the suitors, such as recovering from a wife's death. I thought it was touching that one of the suitors was chosen as prom king and finding out that he never went to prom when he was younger. I enjoyed the talent show as it was somewhat spontaneous resulting in some good performances.

I would (I wouldn't) recommend this programme to someone because:

• I do recommend The Golden Bachelorette, because you will see how older gentlemen behave. Perhaps, there will be backstabbing and other tactics, but it is hard to see with this group of suitors. I could be wrong.

4 out 5 stars

Quiz Lady

On Sunday, September 8, 2024, Quiz Lady won a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie by the Television Academy!!!! I reviewed Quiz Lady earlier in the year and am happy for their success. Below are some highlights from their appearance at the Emmys, backstage, portrait, and Governors Gala. Enjoy!

Show

Awkwafina, speaking, and the team from “Quiz Lady” accept the Emmy for outstanding television movie during night two of the Television Academy's 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Phil McCarten/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Content Services)

Backstage

Awkwafina backstage with the Emmy for outstanding television movie for “Quiz Lady” during night two of the Television Academy's 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Content Services)

Portraits

Awkwafina poses with their Emmy for outstanding television movie for “Quiz Lady” in the press room during night two of the Television Academy's 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Content Services)

Governors Gala

Sarah Shepard, Jen D'Angelo, Erika Hampson, Awkwafina, Alex Brown, Itay Reiss, Emmy winners for outstanding television movie for "Quiz Lady", attend the Governors Gala, following night two of the Television Academy's 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Dan Steinberg/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Content Services)

5 out 5 stars

Summary

There are 10,714 athletes that are competing in the Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The Olympics are viewable on NBC and online on Peacock. The opening ceremony ran through the Louve property of Paris ending with a performance by Celine Dion singing from the Eiffel Tower and a hot air balloon housing the Olympic flame. Simone Biles is back in Olympic gymnastics for Team USA. The men's basketball team looks good as well. We have a strong Team USA in swimming, track and field, as well as, many events.

Overall

This is sports coverage, which does not include any scripts. Everything is played out in real-time. There are dreams to be fulfilled, during these 16 days of the Summer Olympics. Some have already won at the Olympics, while many have not. You will see great competition put out on the international stage. Hearts will be broken, while tears of joy will win over fans. The camera angles are many to capture the excitement. The players are focused, filled with emotions, and strive for perfection. Everything is captured for the viewer to enjoy. I highly recommend viewing the Paris Summer Olympics.

5 out 5 stars

S1.E1 The Rules of Life

SUMMARY

MORGAN FREEMAN is the narrator as he takes us 2 million years away when dinosaurs roamed Earth. We see two Sabretooth Cat's and a Tera Bird. Morgan says what we are to witness tells us how dynasties came about to today. The narrator says sharks as seen today have existed for hundreds of millions of years. "Birds are the last survivors of the dinosaurs," declared Freeman. Morgan says there are 10 million species of plant/animal today making 1% of all that have existed before. We start 4 billion years ago. The narrator says Earth may have had the right chemistry for life to be created from a cell called Luca where all living came from. About 450 million years ago life developed in the ocean taking different plant forms with one dynasty toppling the previous. Invertebrates lived on land, but not forever. Amphibians came next limited by their proximity to water, while the reptiles surpassed them. Until the dinosaurs ruled for 150 million years. Calamity ended the dinosaur, but the mammal appeared to take their place. Freeman says rule 1 is "the best adapted will always win through." Between similar species competition drives evolution, which can either adapt or become extinct. Mass extinction can be caused by inhaling smoke, due to Earth volcano eruptions for thousands of years. Or, by water, due to storms that wipe out mass species. Or, an asteroid the size of a Mountain can cause mass extinction.

OVERALL

This is not animation or computerized graphics as you have seen before. Rather, you see dinosaurs as if they were just alive and moving in real-time. Whatever is used makes the display a masterpiece as we know the history, but now it comes alive for us to enjoy. It is truly hard to make the distinction between what is real and what is created, due to the visual effects/animation. There is a lot of history within this film all chronologically laid out. You can see how creation started and evolution evolved as species fought for survival. It was the push for the next step that helped species to evolve in their quest to not be extinct. Survival of the fittest. This episode is excellent and strongly recommend the series.

5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Narrator - Nominated

Life On Our Planet • Chapter 1: The Rules Of Life • Netflix • A Netflix Documentary Series / A Silverback Films Production in association with Amblin Television

Morgan Freeman, Narrator

S1.E1 Pilot

SUMMARY

Based on the events leading up to president ABRAHAM LINCOLN (Hamish Linklater) assassination by JOHN WILKES BOOTH (Anthony Boyle), as well as, investigation by EDWIN STANTON (Tobias Menzies). The killing of president Lincoln took place one-third into the episode as various timelines reveal what took place after the Civil War ended. Lincoln received death threats, but celebrated anyway along with the union. One secretary was stabbed on the night Lincoln was assassinated at a theatrical performance at his booth overlooking the stage. John Wilkes Booth saw himself as on the verge of being famous through the act of killing the president, rather than commit to acting. John Wilkes Booth went on the run with a horse and broken leg. Edwin Stanton put pieces together at the scene of the crime and hotel room along with interviews to pinpoint the murder.

OVERALL

Based on true events and written as a drama series, we get a glimpse into the world of two competing parties brought together into a conflict of murder. This is the early United States where Secret Service was not created yet to protect the president. Instead the president is left vulnerable, while enjoying a theatrical play. I did not feel emotion when Lincoln was assassinated, which begs for more connection to the president in the form of a speech or other events to have been added. Rather, I was moved by the investigating and putting pieces together, which is the title of the drama series. I learned more about the assassination from episode one making great educational value for the classroom. The acting was fair, the set design was good, music was intriguing, and writing was very good. Therefore, I recommend this episode for its historical importance, and I look forward to further episodes.

4 out of 5 stars

S1.E1 Just You Wait and See

SUMMARY

This high drama episode focuses on CHRISTIAN DIOR (Ben Mendelsohn) and COCO CHANEL (Juliette Binoche) designers attempting to conduct fashion business in the midst of Nazi rule in France. Both Dior and Chanel living distinct lives manuever their way to the parties of Nazi life. There is an eerie feel that is unique in comparison to the creative designers way of life that is taken over by military Arian egoism and killings.

OVERALL

The acting is pretty good. The ability to learn about insider fashion business way of life is intriguing making good writing. The plot of Nazi rule disrupting the flow of the fashion world in France is unique. I am hoping the creative world supercedes military rule as the series moves forward. In the era of creatives, this episode is recommended to give new respect for our military and defense capabilities in comparison to the Nazi's.

5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Period Costumes For A Series - Nominated

The New Look • What A Day This Has Been • Apple TV+ • Apple Studios and DB-AK Productions

Karen Muller Serreau, Costume Designer

Catherine Boisgontier, Costume Supervisor

Emmanuelle Pertus, Assistant Costume Designer

SUMMARY

Quiz Lady is ANNE YUM (Awkwafina) who has been watching the game show, since she was 4 years old. Anne Yum knows every question, which her sister JENNY YUM (Sandra Oh) realizes she can make a lot of money from answering game show questions. TERRY MCTEER (Will Ferrell) is the game show host. Anne Yum sister records Anne Yum answering questions and posts it online, which goes viral. Anne Yum is an instant internet celebrity. Anne Yum does not like attention and is embarrassed by it all. Anne Yum comes in contact with her mom's loan shark. Now, Anne Yum must make money somehow to save her mother and dog. Anne Yum sister she must go on the game show to make money to save the day. The two travel to Philadelphia to be cast into the game show. Anne Yum is nervous, but her sister helps her deal with her nerves. Anne Yum is high on drugs causing her to miss many questions until she reverses her highness. Anne Yum eventually gets cast for Can't Stop the Quiz. Anne Yum does a terrible job without her dog. Jenny Yum gets Anne Yum's service dog and brings to show. Anne Yum makes a comeback nearly winning the game in a head-to-head battle with RON HEACOCK (Jason Schwartzman). Ron Heacock takes the game lead again. Anne Yum and Jenny Yum play Show It barely winning the final round. There was a happy ending with Anne Yum becoming the longest winning guest on the show.

OVERALL

This is not your typical thriller or drama plot as it was a comedy. Anne Yum has a fear of attention that she faces straight on with the help of Terry McTeer and Jenny Yum along with Anne's service dog. It is Terry McTeer who tells Anne Yum to go out and have fun as a contestant as it may be her last show. Anne Yum and Jenny Yum work together using old memories to bypass Anne Yum's psychological barrier, which lets the story move forward. Overall, the plot is good. The acting is very good by Awkwafina, especially when she is having her meltdown. We see various emotions from Awkwafina throughout the movie, which is believable. The set design is basic, but gets by. The music is entertaining. Overall, the movie gets a B grade, which is good for a comedy. I recommend this movie to comedy seekers and to those who do not normally watch comedy movies.

4 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Television Movie - WINNER

Quiz Lady • Hulu • 20th Century Studios

Alex Brown, Executive Producer

Erika Hampson, Executive Producer Will Ferrell, Produced by

Jessica Elbaum, Produced by

Maggie Haskins, Produced by

Itay Reiss, Produced by

Jen D'Angelo, Produced by

Awkwafina, Produced by

Sandra Oh, Produced by

Introduction

I am currently working on a screenplay titled, 'The Artist Model,' so I wanted to see what direction ' The Artist's Wife' takes. Overall, the movie is good and it takes a different route than my screenplay. This film analysis learned after my MFA Script Analysis class focuses on the story, structure, characters, dialogue, and theme.

Story

Bruce Dern plays RICHARD SMYTHSON and Lena Olin as CLAIRE SMYTHSON. Richard is an artist who is self-made. Claire is his wife who does not provide total unconditional love. Claire has trouble with the fact that her husband has Alzheimer's and dementia. Claire provides unconditional love to her husband Richard upon his diagnosis. Richard goes through emotional rides with his wife. Claire tries to get her daughter ANGELA SMYTHSON to spend time with Richard. Angela is played by Juliet Rylance. Angela, Gogo, and Danny visit Richard, as well as, Claire. GOGO is played by Ravi Cabot-Conyers, while DANNY is played by Avan Jogia. They exchange presents and have a good time until one of Richard's paintings is given to Angela. Richard and Angela patch things up after a lifelong disagreement. Richard and Claire get into an argument over material things, such as destroying the furniture--Richard says he wants a divorce. Richard is simply living with Alzheimer's as he soon forgets the episode. Claire has a sexual encounter with Danny. Richard sees Claire's paintings telling her she shouldn't have stopped. They are husband wife again. Claire gives up her paintings for Richard's last art exhibit.

Structure

There is continual conflict between Richard and Claire. The antagonist is Claire. The story revolves around her point of view. The goal or plot point I is to help her husband. The protagonist is Richard's diagnosis. One subplot is between Claire and Joyce, where Claire asks Joyce about why she left her husband. Joyce tells Claire that her husband and she grew apart from each other. In Act II, Claire sees Angela who she spoke to over the phone, but Angela was too "busy" within their subplot. Richard faces Alzheimer's in Act II going through different emotions, which is the rising conflict. Richard gets in a heated argument with Angela about his daughter Angela. Richard and Angela get in another argument, but patch things up. Richard and Claire get into a big argument over material things, particularly the furniture as the climax. Richard and Claire patch things up again as a resolution. Claire gives up her paintings for her husband's last art show showing herself as a true wife.

Characters

Richard Smythson and Claire Smythson are an older couple, but look adorable together. The writer made Richard angry as a character--I don't know any artist personally who is mean. We find out Richard has Alzheimer's and dementia. Claire questions the doctor if we all have to be normal and perfect. Claire cares for her husband upon learning his diagnosis as she touches his hands when he sleeps and hugs him when awake. We do see Richard be nice when his wife asks to go into the city, which he approves saying, "you don't have to ask for permission--this isn't Saudi Arabia." Angela is similar to her father even though they don't know each other very well. LIZA CALDWELL is played by Tonya Pinkins who is a family friend of Richard and Claire, due to Liza being a gallery owner. Claire is a new woman after being in bed with her husband as she purchases a studio to paint and runs on the beach. ADA RISI is played by Stefanie Powers--both Danny and her are friendly characters. Ada Risi is an old friend who has a museum exhibit, and Danny is the babysitter of Gogo.

Dialogue

In Act I, we immediately hear Claire Smythson's voice, which is raspy and sexy. Claire obviously loves Richard as you can hear it in her voice. You can barely understand Claire's voice in voice over, which is a flaw in the movie. Richard and Claire have small conversations, which resemble disagreements. Claire throws a fit in the supermarket after learning her husband has Alzheimer's and dementia. Claire uses nonverbal communication with her husband by touching his hands when he is in bed or hugging him when awake. Angela is aloof and nonchalant towards her mother on the phone, as well as, in person. Liza and Claire have a bond at one of Liza's gallery receptions--they have a conversation and share a cigarette together. Claire is good with children, such as with her daughter's child. Claire and Richard finally have sex although we are unsure if he took Viagra--the pair are together in bed in each other's arms--both smiling. Richard is a hard art teacher who preaches painting in a ruthless manner to his students even smashing one's art to make a point. Ada is very social with Claire in the museum and even removes all clothing for a group nude art photo shoot. Richard and Claire get in an emotional argument over Angela. Richard and Angela look at each other repeatedly, during Christmas time. Richard and Angela smile at one another, get in another argument until they find common ground. Richard and Claire get into a big argument over furniture--I never see any religion inherent from this family. Richard's paintings look like a mess fitting his attitude. Claire and Danny have chemistry and act it out. Claire is unsure about the encounter and Danny and her end the night. Claire is back with her husband. Claire reveals great love for her husband leaving an emotional impact.

Theme

A painter's work fits his attitude in life. Alzheimer's requires love and understanding.

Conclusion

In Act II, Claire takes the bus back home, which loses a star for accuracy considering her husband Richard received a $94,000 clock--she can certainly afford better travel. No offense, I have taken the bus for years. The cinematography was basic. The acting was ok. I only felt deep emotion with the child acting, and Richard smashing a student's painting. I am an artist, but I draw realism not an abstract mess. Yet, Claire stands by her husband giving the movie great emotional impact to its ending.

3 out of 4 stars