Entertainment News and Skews…

Two things struck me yesterday in the world of entertainment.

The first was that my favorite Captain…Jean Luc Picard or, in real life, Patrick Stewart…is returning to television next year in a show called Blunt Talk.  Seems it’s going to be a comedy that is a fictionalized version of a flawed character that stars in a sort of Colbert Report.  I am sure looking forward to giving it a try.  I so admire Patrick Stewart.  Not only did he star in my favorite TV of all times and one of the most socially advanced television series that has ever aired, Star Trek:  The Next Generation, he is also an outspoken opponent of domestic violence.  Well, he’s just cool in so many ways.

The other news is that there is going to be a new Star Wars movie.

Now, I have to admit that seeing the original Star Wars movie really did change my life.  I can still remember how exhilarated I felt as I exited the cinema that night.  It engendered a love of science fiction that has not left me through the years, although maybe it was really the original Star Trek that did that.  Probably Star Wars just strengthened it.

But the original Star Wars movie certainly set the bar high for the quality of movie that I wanted to spend my money to see.  It had it all… a great story, action, adventure, good vs. evil, interesting characters, terrific cinematography and, most of all, a strong female lead.  While the original Star Wars had great and innovative special effects, it was story and character driven as opposed to so many movies today that are CGI (computer-generated imagery) driven pieces of crap, all action with little plot and dialogue.

Anyhow, I opened up the paper this morning and the first story inside the front page (I could go on and on about what qualifies as REAL NEWS, so don’t get me started) boldly stated:  “Star Wars: Episode VII Cast Unveiled.”  There were the pictures of five MEN.  At least one of these dudes I’ve actually heard of, Max von Sydow, and he is an excellent actor.  And you know, I’ve got nothing against men.    In fact, some of my best friends are men.  Hey, I’m married to a man.  But give me a break.  You mean the only important female in the new Star Wars is going to be an aging Princess Leia??

Forgive me if I think there’s something a bit skewed about that.  Of course, it does all take place “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away,” where there were no Susan B. Anthonys or Gloria Steinems around to stand up for Women’s Rights.

   Still, I have to admit to being disappointed even before I’ve seen the first trailer.

Well, my photos today have nothing to do with what I just wrote about but here they are nonetheless, a bunch of tulip photos.  Now, isn't that so girly of me.