Monday, June 17, 2013

Lost Girl ~ Spoiler-Free Episode List


Images Source: Showcase.ca

I've been a huge fan of Lost Girl from it's very first episode. It's a Canadian supernatural series follows a succubus named Bo, who although is aware of her powers was brought up outside the world of light and dark Fae and the ruling societies that oversee them. For new-to-Lost-Girl'ers, the Fae are all kinds of supernatural creatures from sirens to wolf-shifters to seers-like characters, and everything in between. Bo ain't so fond on rules, and therefore spends more time with her buddy Kenzi and they walk their own path in both the Fae and the human world. It's a fun, racy, show as is much about about friendship and relationships as it is about The Fae.

I've discovered that you can watch the entire series of Lost Girl over at the Showcase website, and decided to do create this spoiler-free episodes list for folks that want to delve into the series online from start to finish. Whether you are a new to the show, or an old hand like me that likes to re-watch, I hope it is a nice quick-reference for you.

There is also lots of fun Lost Girl goodness at the shows site page over at Showcase.ca, including an episode guide, cast biographies, character information, photos, a blog, behind the scenes as well as the full episodes to watch online. If you are a first time watching to Lost Girl, please be aware the season lists are in reverse episode order, which is one of the reason I've made these spoiler-free lists so you can start at beginning, one season at a time.

There is lots more Lost Girl love out there. Over at Hexed Sisterhood of the Supernatural together with my sister Suzie we have shared the love of Lost Girl from it's very first episode. More Lost Girl podcasts to enjoy include The Fae Files, Drinks at the Dal and Faetalists.

Images Source: Showcase.ca

Lost Girl ~ Season 1 Spoiler-Free Episode List 


Images Source: Showcase.ca

Lost Girl ~ Season 2 Spoiler-Free Episode List 

Images Source: Showcase.ca

Lost Girl ~ Season 3 Spoiler-Free Episode List

Images Source: Showcase.ca

Season 4 ~ Coming Late 2013
Lost Girl will venture further into fae-ness as it was renewed for Season 4, coming to Showcase in Late 2013.

Can't get enough Lost Girl?  Check out Hexed Sisterhood of the Supernatural, where my sister Suzie and I have we've been talking about Lost Girl from it's very first episode.


Friday, June 14, 2013

Rookie Blue ~ Spoiler-Free Episode List


I'm a newcomer to Rookie Blue.  I shy away from cop shows, usually because they feel way to procedural but when I watched the Season 4 opener of Rookie Blue I could tell there was a lot more to this show.  Plus, being a Torontonian, I can't help but spot locations and cheer on local goodness.

As with many Canadian shows, you can watch the entire series online.  That's right.  Every single episode of Rookie Blue is available to watch over at Global TV website.  And I plan on watching each and every episode.  The only hitch is, the default view for the videos is the most recent episodes first and I don't want to accidentally be spoiled on what is to come, with some much to enjoy first.

I've created this spoiler-free episode link list to every episode of Rookie Blue, so you can watch online episode by episode.  I hope that helps any other spoiler-sensitive folks too.  And if you are less sensitive to spoilers, there is lots to check out at the Global TV website including Episode Guides, Cast Info, NewsWebisodes and more.  Whether you are a rookie to Rookie Blue like me or a seasoned vet, I hope this resource is helpful to you.

Enjoy!

Rookie Blue ~ Season 1 Spoiler-Free Episode List
Rookie Blue ~ Season 2 Spoiler-Free Episode List
 Rookie Blue ~ Season 3 Spoiler-Free Episode List
Rookie Blue ~ Season 4 Spoiler-Free Episode List

Monday, June 10, 2013

Summer TV 2013 ~ Where to Watch TV Shows Online in Canada


Who's excited about summer TV? I know I am! Teen Wolf! Continuum! So You Think You Can Dance! Off-Season British Shows! So much to enjoy. As this is my first summer without cable for many years, I've been a bit overwhelmed by when and where to watch stuff as I'm transitioning to watch many of my shows online. Where can I watch them? When do the go live? Will it work in Canada? The list below is one I've created to help watching shows online. It's a resource to actual channel websites and direct show page links (if available) for easy access to watch them at their legitimate source, that is available for streaming here in Canada.

The list is of the shows I'm watching and I will update this it through the summer (June - August 2013) with new shows once I've confirmed they will be available online. As you can see, my tastes run the gambit genre-wise, and I watch a lot of science fiction, reality, Canadian and supernatural shows (in other words, very little drama and pretty much no comedy). Additional shows I'm looking forward to this summer include Under the Dome, Camp, The Amazing Race Canada and Big Brother. If they go up online, I will add them to the list!

I hope the list is helpful for to watch TV streaming online through legitimate sources that work here in Canada! If you are looking for something that isn't on the list, check the resources at the bottom for search suggestions.  Happy Watching!


Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday
  • ~

 Saturday
  • Orphan Black (Premiere Season) - Space
  • Being Human UK (Fifth and Final Season) - Space


Scheduling (When Shows Appear Online)
  • In general, I've found that shows go online the day after their are broadcasted and 2 or 3 of the most recent episodes are available. 
  • The exception to that kind-of rule is Canadian shows and co-pro's, especially if it is an original production created by the channel itself.  In these cases the entire season (or series) can be available to watch online. Summer shows that have their entire seasons or series available include: Continuum, Big Brother Canada, Rookie Blue, Top Chef Canada, XIII, Orphan Black and Defiance.
Tech-ish Stuff
  • I've found the least issues watching through Chrome as a browser.  Some players seem to work better with Firefox or Internet Explorer, but none seem to work great with both as you can get stuck in a commercials-loop cycle or just stop working.  Try it and see what works for you!  As always, if it's working - stick with it!  And always keep Adobe Flash Player up to date.  If anyone has any other hints to seamless streaming, I'd be thrilled to here them.
* A few online viewing options do not have a specific page for watching a singular show, but rather a video player for watching any of their offerings (like Space and Discovery).  In those cases I've put the link to the broadcasters website, as opposed to the show.  Then either select the show if it's displayed prominently, or click their video library, select your show, the season and then the episode.

+ As a side note, I included The Deadliest Catch but personally I opted to get this season via iTunes because I found the online option not very reliable (the episodes were not going up very timely manner), as well as not seeing the new addition of "The Bait" being online. I adore this show, and wanted my episodes quickly and reliably, and to add to my permanent collection.


Something Not Here? 
  • This is just what I'm watching, so there can easily be a show out there and not on the list because I don't watch everything!  To find where it is, just do a Google Search for "Watch _____ online" and look for a broadcaster you recognize and trust to watch the show.  
  • Another way is to browse through the Canadian TV broadcasters websites video pages: CBC, CTV, Global and CityTV (all of which are also all available through antenna).
  • And the Specialty Channels: Space, Showcase, Slice, Much Music (no great direct link, hover over 'videos' at the left), Discovery, Food Network and History.  If there is a Canadian channel that streams shows you'd like added, just leave a comment below and I'll update the list.
Please, no spoilers on any shows!  I hope that goes without say as by definition readers of this list are people that watching shows after they air.  A great place to have spoiler-y discussions if you are looking for that is Get Glue as it's people who *are* watching the show!

Happy Watching!

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Full Flower Moon Dreamboard


This is my Full Flower Moon Dreamboard for 2013. I feel like I'm a later-comer to last months pink moon in terms of colours! I was drawn to a lot of black and white as well as muted colours which is a really odd energy for me. I also loved the start contrast of the intense pinks on a black background. Not sure what I see, a fair amount of open road and large spaces (indoor and out). Maybe I've craving space. We'll see!

See more about the Full Flower Moon and Dreamboards over at my sister's site Jamie Ridler Studios.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

ST:TNG 6.09 The Quality of Life ~ Star Trek: The Next Generation Re-Watch

It's a question of what is life when the tools called exocomps start acting on their own win 6.09 The Quality of Life.

Images Source: TrekCore

Star Trek: The Next Generation Re-Watch continues with ...

The Quality of Life
Season 6, Episode 9

Story:
  • While the Enterprise is assessing the viability of a particle fountain they come across small independently minded tools called exocomps which after self-preservation behaviour is expressed Data takes up the quest of defending them as lifeforms.
    Character Focus:
    • Data is clearly the focus here taking the task of being on the side of the exocomps.
    • Doctor Farallon, who created the particle fountain and is a risk-taking project lead that also created the Exocomps.
    • Depending on where you fall on the question of "are they life", the Exocomps themselves are a focus.
    What I remembered about this episode:
    • I remember the exocomps, and how it was cool that they could hover around but kind of scary that they behaved differently than expected and/or thought for themselves.
    What I noticed now, that I didn't notice then:
    • They did tons of tests on the exocomp, but they never tried to communicated with it. I know they never discussed any language capabilities with the exocomps, but they've certainly in the past tried to connect with things that may, or may not, be lifeforms.
    • The whole opening scene with Beverly vs Worf, Geordi and Riker playing poker and betting for the men to shave their beards or Beverly to go blond depending on who won. To bad we never got to see the possible result!
    What feels different now, than then:
    • I'm a little surprized at this one as a lot of the themes explored were done so before in 2.09 The Measure of a Man when a trial was held to determine if Data was property or not.
    • Because I remembered the exocomp story well, this time around I was actually more interested in the whole process around creating a project and when or how long it should be in testing, etc.; although it was a bit of a challenge to enjoy that storyline as Doctor Farallon was very abrasive and hard to support.
    What remained the same:
    • They have a very clever reveal in this one, that Data being distracted by Beverly and getting into a conversation is what turns the tide on seeing that they exocomps saw through the illusion of danger in the testing of their sentience.
    What I see differently:
    • It actually took me a bit to place this one, because they are initially helping out some folks who created and ar using a particle fountain and it's all about the (in)stability of it, and that goes on for quite a bit before the exocomps get pulled out to save the day.
    • It's pretty sad to see that Data considers himself alone because he is unique.
    Great Quotes:
    • "The broadest scientific definition might be that life is what enables plants and animals to consume food, derive energy from it, grow, adapt themselves to their surroundings, and reproduce." - Beverly
    • "And what about me? I do not grow; I do not reproduce. Yet I am considered to be alive." - Data
    • "I have observed that humans often base their judgments on what is referred to as instinct or intuition. Because I am a machine, I lack that particular ability. However, it may be possible that I have insight into other machines, that humans lack." - Data
    Left off at:
    When a dangerous situation presents itself where Geordi and the Captain are in danger and at the same time Data finds a new argument for the exocomps to be considered a life form, a moral dilemma arises on if the exocomps should send them to their death to save humans. Then, they realize they can see if they will decided to actually take up the task if given the choice (versus attempting to override their programming), and they decide to do it.


    Images Source: TrekCore

    Tuesday, April 16, 2013

    Defiance ~ Spoiler-Free Episode List

    Images Source: Showcase.ca

    Defiance is a new science fiction series that is airing on Showcase, and it debuted on April 15, 2013.  It marks the very first series that I will be watching exclusively online, and as such I know that the Showcase website is the place for us Canadians to see it. The thing is, there are tons of videos to explore for Defiance, including lots of behind the scenes, sneak peeks and more which I love to watch after watching a a series. When I'm watching for the first time I like to get completely absorbed by it and not yet break into how they did stuff. So, I decided to make a spoiler-free link list for just the episode, for any others who also like to watch in this way.

    New to Defiance? Here is a series description: "Set in the near future, Defiance introduces an exotically transformed planet Earth, its landscapes permanently altered following the sudden – and tumultuous – arrival of seven unique alien races. In this somewhat unknown and unpredictable landscape, the richly diverse, newly formed civilization of humans and aliens must learn to co-exist peacefully. Each week, viewers will follow an immersive character drama set in the boom-town of Defiance, which sits atop the ruins of St. Louis, MO, while in the game, players will adventure in the new frontier of the San Francisco Bay area. The dramatic tapestry of the series and the intense action of the game will exist in a single universe where their respective narratives will inform one another and evolve together into one overall story."

    Defiance is a Canadian/US co-production of 13 episodes and stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Graham Greene and Mia Kirshner.

    Defiance ~ Spoiler-Free Episode List


    Grant Bowler as Joshua Nolan, Julie Benz as Amanda Rosewater, Stephanie Leonidas as Irisa


    Tony Curran as Datak Tarr and Jaime Murray as Stahma


    Mia Kirshner as Kenya and Graham Green as Rafe McCawley

    Saturday, April 13, 2013

    Jumping in Mid-Season *Can* Work! Or, Why I Love The Neighbors



    I can be very peculiar on my TV watching habits (see my Hannibal dilemma here), and one of my peculiarities is only and always watching things from THE BEGINNING.  Jumping in mid-season feels ridiculous, I feel like I've missed so much and that I won't "get it" and oddly spoiled on things if I decide to go back and watch from the beginning.

    But with this in mind, that means if I miss even one episode of a show, I'll have to wait until it re-airs and then start from there.  That's a fair amount of work, and I've done it and at times it's worth it and at other times not.  But the other thing is, to watch something from THE BEGINNING, you have to know it's coming.  I keep a pretty strong eye of the upcoming schedules, but I did not know The Neighbors was coming.

    I'm an avid listener of the Tuning into SciFi TV Podcast, and I noticed week after week Brent mentioning enjoying The Neighbors and encouraging people to watch it.  I often agree with Brent, so hearing it over and over kept me thinking I should give this show a chance.  I was also wondering, what is show The Neighbors?  I finally looked it up and only recognized Jami Gertz from the cast list (and she'll always be Star from The Lost Boys to me), and saw that it was a half-hour science fiction comedy.  So, we have two red flags with 'half-hour' and 'comedy' which are formats I rarely watch.  Science fiction however, always goes yes list.   Putting that all together, I decided to give it a chance even though it breaks my start from THE BEGINNING rule.



    The first episode of The Neighbors I watched was the Halloween-themed episode last fall. Likely the worst one to start with, as not knowing characters and then people being in costume and acting out of character can make for more confusion. I also completely misunderstood the premise of the show, who and how many of the characters are aliens, but still enjoyed it.  It did drop off my viewing schedule for a bit and then I started watching it regularly in the new year.  I finally figured out the premise (a regular family moves to a gated community where everyone else living there are aliens) and enjoyed it every week up to and including the recent season finale. 

    After getting into the swing of the show, I realized The Neighbors is just the kind of comedy I like. It's based on cultural misinterpretation and social awkwardness, but there is zero malicious intent.  Everyone is doing their best to get through the days, and the human family is pretty traditional day-to-day connecting and relationship building and then the aliens are always wanting to dive into new experiences, but rarely know how.  That leads to a lot fun stuff, and even serves as a way to discuss the weirdness of how social behavior works (or doesn't) without getting to heavy. 

    In the end, did it matter that I missed the first portion of the season?  Not so much.  In fact, misunderstanding a lot of it ended up being no big deal and actually quite funny.  And now I'm really looking forward to catching all the episodes I missed, which for me is pretty high praise. bet! 

    Now I just hope that The Neighbors will be renewed for a second season! 

    The Neighbors aired on CTV and ABC.