Jerry's Journal: Having A Good Run

 

We took Jerry to the field round the back of a housing estate, hooked him up to the 100 foot rope and threw his orange stick. He absolutely loved running around, and we wore him out. Dad took the pictures, and his favourite one is catching him in mid-air, hurtling towards his stick.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Lucifer Has Been Renewed

Over the last few weeks, people all over the world has been uniting together to get the series revived after the major cliff hanger from season 3. Fans have been wanting Chloe to see the truth, but when she eventually does, Fox cancels the show. From Fox’s perspective, cancelling the show was a decision based on business, because they only saw the ratings decrease gradually over the last few episodes, and justifying that decline was difficult as there’s a chance they could be losing out on money. However, the moment the news broke and people heard about the show being cancelled, it was only then everyone saw the dedicated fan base in all its glory.

Petitions has been created and signed by thousands, with the biggest being over 300,000. People’s comments were saying that Lucifer was the best TV show around, and it was an insult to cancel it after a major moment everyone had been waiting patiently for so long.

It was officially announced on 16^th June that Netflix had picked it up for a fourth season, and there was much rejoicing among fans. I signed the petition and eagerly waited for the news we all wanted. Netflix was our knight in shining armour. We’re getting a season 4, and maybe more after that.

The two bonus episodes released by Fox after the cancellation that would be slotted into season 4 (the same as a few bonus episodes filmed during season 2 were slotted into season 3), saw Chloe stating she’d seen a lot of crazy stuff, indicating she had come to terms with Lucifer’s true identity. Whilst most of us knew she would eventually accept the truth, it would be interesting to see their relationship develop from the cliff hanger onwards. How will their relationship as friends, work colleagues, and as potential lovers be affected? All of that will be explored in season 4.

I am absolutely confident Lucifer will continue entertaining the masses and I therefore will make Netflix second guess cancelling the show if that option ever comes up for whatever reason, as there may be an even greater backlash than before.

All we can do now is revel in our success with bringing the show back, and wait that little bit more for season 4.

On a slightly different but related topic… Can Netflix revive Torchwood?

Mum's Monday: Valkyrie

WARNING SPOILERS

When casting Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, Tom Cruise, wouldn’t automatically be a first choice. Stauffenberg is tall, has one hand and has lost an eye. Whereas Tom Cruise is shorter and is well known for being a Hollywood heart-throb. However, if you look at a side on, profile picture of Stauffenberg, the resemblance to Tom is uncanny. Therefore, he becomes the perfect actor for the part of the Colonel.

Based on a true story, surrounding one of the most famous, of a few, assassination attempts on Adolf Hitler (Played by David Bamber in the film), during world war 2.

After a failed attempt on Hitler’s life, when a bomb, disguised as a bottle of alcohol, doesn’t go off, and is discovered, when one of the perpetrators goes to retrieve it, there is some quick thinking in the script. Whereas the person with it, suggests they open it and have a drink. The reply to that is basically ‘Hitler wouldn’t like it, if one of his officer’s drinks, whilst on duty. A very clever get out, just when you think the plot has been rumbled.

The special effects to turn Tom Cruise into the injured Stauffenberg, is extremely well achieved and realistic looking.

This film doesn’t use artistic licence, but it doesn’t have to, the story in itself is dramatic enough, showing the lead up, organisation and preparation to conclude with the, hopeful demise of Hitler. Also what would happen after Hitler is no longer alive.

The intended destination, the Wolf’s Lair, is taken into account when deciding on the amount/ size of the explosives. The line ‘This is a military operation, nothing ever goes to plan’ you could almost say, it predicts the future. We know from the true story, what happened, so this may go some way to explain, why the plot ultimately failed. In this case a change of building and not enough explosives, saved Hitler’s life.

There is a bit of tension in the film and the music adds to it, but it is mostly a light-hearted and sad in the end, telling of a true story.

This film also shows, you shouldn’t jump to conclusions, and to be certain of something first.

Watching the film, made me wander, what would have happened if the plot had succeeded. It does give a little insight of after the attempt, how Germany would have ended the war sooner. However, it failed, but the legacy still lives on and this film was still made. It does make me think how much more famous could it have got if they had achieved their goal.

Jerry's Journal: Resting After a Good Run

After a good run around outside, when Jerry came inside, he was panting and needed a rest. He settled down with mum on the sofa, and soon went to sleep.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

TV Show of the Week: Cloak and Dagger – Episodes 1 and 2

Yet another Marvel TV series to add to the ever increasing collection, and yes, it’s set in the still rapidly increasing cinematic universe. I admittedly forgot about this program before I saw it being advertised as an exclusive on Amazon Prime over here in the UK. It was a nicer surprise to see there were two episodes available to watch, and on Friday night after a particularly difficult day at work, that’s exactly what I did.

With each new Marvel television series, it gets further and further away from the films. The Netflix series, whilst they were finding their feet, made subtle references to the films, but gradually became further disassociated with each new series, and by the time Iron Fist came out, there was hardly a mention of the events in the films, and if I remember correctly, hardly any or absolutely no references made to the film’s continuity. When Runaways dropped, there wasn’t a mention at all. Maybe a couple of Easter eggs hidden in the background here and there, but nothing at all in the dialogue, allowing the series to expand and grow. Whilst we are only in the second episode of Cloak and Dagger, and the biggest film in the entire series, Infinity War still making tidal waves through us fans, I’m was happy to see it was its own thing.

There are obvious connections. The Darkforce Energy that has infected Cloak was previously established in Agent Carter, the prequel to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and the immediate sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger, in series 2. It doesn’t need to make blatant references, because there already is a massive one, the energy.

With every adaptation, there are changes to the comics – the first big difference I noticed was the location of which the series is set in. Cloak and Dagger were introduced in a Spider-Man issue, which is set in New York. This series is set in New Orleans. I have no grief over that change whatsoever. In fact, I prefer that change. We can get new characters, new stories, without trying to fit them in the crowded New York City. It may be a big place, but there are already plenty of superheroes running around, it would be difficult to either try and justify why they Cloak and Dagger haven’t met with any of the Defenders, or keep the two of them confined to a specific area of New York. They need an entire city to run around in, and so moving locations is the best course of action. But the foundation of who Cloak and Dagger are as characters, their powers, their stories, they remain closely based on what we are familiar with.

The first two episodes shows us brief flashbacks to how they received their powers, and what they need to do to carry on now they’re older and standing on their own two feet. What happened during their childhood was traumatic, and there are still ripples in their adult life – they spent the first two episodes spontaneously encountering one another, before the cliff-hanger in episode 2. Episode 3 will explore their chemistry, and them conceiving many questions before attempting to answer them in the final seven episodes.

This series is only ten episodes long, which I praised Runaways for as it allowed the story to keep moving, not have too much time dedicated to filler or anything unnecessary, just constantly gave us what we wanted – and, even though it has been written by a different team of people, I firmly believe that’s what will happen during this series. It will give us what we want, and inevitably be successful enough to carry on into a second series. I don’t think anyone wants their series to be compared to the disastrously slow paced Inhumans. I watched it because I’m a fan of Marvel, but that doesn’t stop me from saying how awful it is compared to literally everything else Marvel has produced for its cinematic universe. It’s not one that I would jump to re-watch again. Cloak and Dagger is already proving to be a gripping and exciting series, so there shouldn’t be any reason to worry – I can’t see how it would go downhill from here.

For those who are wondering about the continuity between this series and Infinity War’s snap, this is before. I doubt they would address it, and I’m not expecting them to. All TV series that’s coming out this year, will be before Infinity War – and series that’ll drop after the Infinity War part 2, will be after that film.

Cloak and Dagger is yet another fresh take on superhero stories, and I would recommend to anyone even if they haven’t seen anything else. We, fans, know it’s in the cinematic universe and would appreciate any Easter eggs, but for those who don’t know what’s going on, can enjoy the series as it is, without having to catch up with all ten years of films, and other TV programs. Maybe later on down the line they may start crossing over, and I would not mind if they did, but they do have to establish themselves first – take their time.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Sherlock- The Hounds of Baskerville

WARNING SPOILERS FOR BOTH

This episode of Sherlock was aired on the 13^th of May 2012.

We first see that Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) needs a case; his mind is always active and he needs something to focus it on. Luckily the doorbell rings and in walks Henry Knight (Russell Tovey). During the conversation Sherlock notices things that are obvious and easy to spot, you just need to know how.

After initially not wanting to take on the case because he was too busy looking into another case of the disappearing rabbit called Bluebell. Sherlock upon hearing the words ‘Gigantic Hound’ decides to go to Dartmoor and investigate further with his companion Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman)

At a pub we hear more about the Hound and that there is an escaped prisoner at large. We also see where the story of the hound is an excuse to cash in on the tourism trade. This is realistic as we find where there is a story to be told, tourists like to hear about local interests.

In the 1959 version ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ with Peter Cushion playing the role of Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock stays in London and only after receiving reports from Dr. Watson (Andre Morell) does he make his way to Dartmoor in secret. Also the story is set around a mansion, where this more modern version is set around a Lab/Army base called Baskerville. The slight change to the title also suggests this is a different take on the book by Arthur Colan Doyle, which the 1959 version more closely follows.

We still see the original names of characters being used, Dr. Stapleton (Amelia Bullmore) and Dr. Mortimer (Sasha Behar) although one is now a shrink and the other works in the Lab. As the names were already written it is easy to slot it all together.

This version is more cold and clinical than the 1959 one, set around a Lab instead of a warm family home, changes the look and feel of this one.

Some parts give off an air of mystery and is sinister looking, it captures the moors at night. Anywhere can look creepy at night especially with an added legend included.

We see an insight into someone who spends his career thinking rationally see something he cannot explain. It plays havoc with his mind. It is clever how they script Sherlock getting his mind back on track, he does what he does best and notices things.

This episode is all about referencing seeing something and not specifically a hound. The case hinges on how the word hound, but is it, a word? It is brilliant to see Sherlock’s take on it.

It is brave to have this episode surround experimenting on animals, it is a controversial subject but with the story being about a ‘Gigantic Hound’, I suppose putting/slotting it all together it made sense for a modern take on the original story.

It is amazing to witness Sherlock and how his mind works, what jumps in and out of his mind is realistic when a person is in his own thoughts.

The prisoner seems to have been overlooked he is only mentioned in a passing comment at the beginning. The prisoner featured more prominently in the 1959 one, but It seems right to just focus on the case/story alone in this one.

When there is smoke there is fire and smoke can be deadly but fog can be used to cause somewhat just as much havoc as well.

I won’t give away who did it, but well done Sherlock, another crime solved.

Jerry's Journal: Spending Time With Dad

When dad came home from work, Jerry was his usual excited self, but instead of just bouncing up and down, he decided to get on dad's lap and settle down. The picture is blurry because Jerry moved at the very moment mum snapped the picture, but he's certainly happy to have his picture being taken.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Dam Busters (1955)

This is now my 100^th Mums Monday blog, so I wanted to do something, that represented a 100 of something. On April 1^st 1918 the RAF (Royal Air Force) was formed with the amalgamation of the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) and the RNAS (Royal Naval Air Service), also on November 11^th 1918 the first world war ended. So I have decided it was fitting to review a war film, which includes a strong connection to the RAF. The 617 (Dam Busters) Squadron being a part of the air force. The film is therefore based on a true story.

The film starts off with it being Spring 1942 and it is a light-hearted beginning, with Doctor B. N. Wallis C.B.E., F.R.S. (Played in the film by Michael Redgrave) and his children carrying out an experiment with marbles. It is good to see him interacting with his children, however, obsessed he is with his idea.

The film soon turns darker, but there is a war on, it is nice to see Wallis being given the chance to carry out more experiments, as we all know from history, it shows his idea worked. Hence the Dam Busters and this film being actually made.

We know the outcome, but to see the brains behind it, is interesting, proving that things don’t work without a lot of attempts and practice.

There is a good line ‘Everything he uses, has been invented’. It is a true statement and helps get Wallis’s point across. However, it is sad to see the idea, nearly didn’t get off the ground, but one man’s passion saw it through.

Now we see the 617 Squadron with Lancaster bombers and wing Commander Guy Gibson V.C., D.S.O., D.F.C (Played in the film by Richard Todd) as squadron leader in charge. It is interesting to see the thinking behind, who to choose, to go on the, then, secret mission.

It is amusing, to hear the waiters, talk about, what they think is going on, they have it wrong, as kidnapping Hitler, it is not. War time rumours are rife.

As the film progresses and just when I thought, the theatre trip for Guy Gibson was unnecessary, in the film, he comes up with a solution to a problem of dropping the bombs from 150 feet and on target.

When it looks like the mission is all hanging in the balance, Wallis suggests dropping the bombs from 60 feet, risky business war work, even more so for hens and their eggs and the trees.

The mission is going ahead. It is interesting to see the primitive, but effective equipment, they had to work with to drop the now infamous bouncing bombs on target.

The day has arrived, it is sad to see the fate of Guy Gibson’s black pet dog, but the mission must go on, and the rest is history as they say.

The special effects during the bombing raid scenes, are well done and realistic, for the time the film was made. The script is done so well, I also felt like I was back at base, waiting to hear, if the mission is a success or not, even though we know the outcome. It is lovely to see the film acknowledge the men that were lost, during the mission, showing the war involved real men with real lives.

Despite the losses the mission was achieved overall.

There are a few places you can visit, that are linked to the Dam Busters mission. Some of them I have listed here. Up the A15 north of Lincoln in the county of Lincolnshire UK, you can visit and have a tour of RAF Scampton. It is best to check the website before you go as it is a working air base. Another place you can visit is the Derwent Dam in the Hope valley which is sign posted of Snake road the A57 over the Ladybower reservoir, in the county of Derbyshire UK. Another place you can visit on the coast of the county of Dorset UK, is Chesil Beach near Weymouth. These places are where the mission was practiced and RAF Scampton, is where 617 Squadron was based.

Another place you can visit, and see the scar of the damage done by the bouncing bomb and the only surviving structure, a house that is still standing despite the deluge of the water, when the Dam was breached, is the Mohne Dam on the Mohne Reservoir situated at 59519 Mohnesee Germany. I visited as part of a coach tour, that included Berlin and the Harz mountains, staying in Goslar. The Mohne Dam was listed on the tour, as a stop off on the last day of the holiday, so it is worth reading the daily itineraries, if you so wish.

Jerry's Journal: Waiting

It was nearing the time when I would come home from work, and Jerry's a clever boy. He knows what time it is, so as it approaches, any car that would either come and go, he would sit upright and look out of the window with the anticipation that it's me. When it really is, and I come through the door, he goes mad with excitement, but not specifically because I'm home; he knows I give him a treat and so barks at where they are just to make sure I remember to give him one.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)