House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 8/Chapter 73/Finale — The Review

13th January, 2019.

OK … you’ve possibly guessed that I like showing off, haven’t you … ?

You haven’t … ?

Well, OK, here’s a statement …

I like looking more capable than I am.

Which can be nightmarish: especially playing backgammon.

I’m OK at the game.

But do try and show off, playing what’s called a back game … is where I usually trip up … 

I’ve long since learnt to shut up about computers: there’s WAY more knowledgeable people out there than me.

Although, saying that … ?

I’ve long like showing off what I CAN do with my favourite operating system.

Granted, I’m not going to developing, or compile — build — software.

But, if nothing else?

I know how to use the Terminal to erase awkward files.

AND know how to hook two Macs up to the same router, logging into, and operating, one from the other.

I’ll be damend if I could explain the technology behind it … but at least I can do it.

So that, in this case?

I can wipe an external hard drive, with my MacPro: the older model the observant will see behind me.

And get on with doing what I’m doing on my main iMac.

Thankfully?   I’ve enough on my electricity meter to keep this lot going, for now.



And plenty of ventilation.

Otherwise, police helicopters, the oh-so-wonderful ones with infrared sensors would be sending officers to ask what I’m growing in a one bedroom flat!

~≈¥≈~

At any rate, that’s not what I was going to tell you about.

No.

Nope.



I’ve been watching telly, again … 

And, yes: I’ve caught the last episode of series six of House of Cards.

The last one of the entire series.

That’s something of a git … 

I want to see how Claire Hale-Underwood gets out of this … 

~≈¥≈~

Episode 8 — Chapter 73 — opens with President Hale (Robin Wright) — as the former President Underwood is now styling herself — announcing a new era of government transparency … 

Whilst siblings Bill and Annette Shepherd (Greg Kinnear and Diane Lane) vie with each other for control of the family fortune, they both agree that Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) … is their man in the White House.



The pair hope the unstable former Chief of Staff could do anything: especially as it seems he killed Frank Underwood.

To a vulnerable President, several months pregnant, little realising this President has a nasty side … 

A nasty side that sees Claire Hale-Underwood fatally stabbing Doug Stamper to death: in the Oval Office, itself, and, right at the end of the episode … ?

Staring at the camera — at us — as the camera fades to black on quite an episode.

~≈¥≈~

Now … 

I’ll make a confession, if I may?

Chapter 73 was a very good conclusion to both this last ever season of House of Cards … and to the show itself.

About my only complaint?

Is possibly the obvious: that the show would have ended very differently, had Kevin Spacey not ended up in a sexual scandal.

I get the impression that it would’ve been Frank Underwood on the floor of the Oval Office, rather than Doug Stamper.

Which is what happens in the original UK version of the show: Frances Urquhart kills Stamper, then gets killed by his wife, Elizabeth: at least on her orders.

That’s what annoys me about the Spacey affair: he’s ruined a good TV show, being involved in a scandal*.

Combine that?   With one or two patchy episodes, this season … ?

And the show has gone out sparkling: rather than being the full-on fireworks display it could have been.

Equally, though … ?



The cast, crew and writers have done a very good job, over all.

And, although I know the US version of the series is following — very broadly! — the UK version, I have to admit, I’d like to see more.

I’d like to see how Claire Underwood gets out of this …

*        Although, obviously, my sympathies are with those who he’s assaulted.

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 7/Chapter 71 — The Review

11th January, 2019.

Yep: for once I’m actually listening — late at night — to something that’s not on Spotify.

Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Momente.

I think I was having a weird patch, when I got it from iTunes: exploring strange and uncanny musical areas unknown to humanity, with unruly edges that invite the listener to contemplate the infinite in new ways their mind’s eye — hitherto — hadn’t dare perceive.

Yeah … 

Odd, in other words … 

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?   And not wanting to rush?

I want to go to bed, tonight: as I have a long day, tomorrow.

Remember that I’d put in for a provisional driving license?   To help prove my ID at job interviews … ?

I’d sent the form off: and had it sent back, as I’d forgotten to sign it.

Then got it back, again, today … 

As they wanted my most recent addresses … 

Ridiculous … ?

Yes.

It leaves me asking what on EARTH I’m bothering for … !

~≈§≈~

At any rate …

It’s enough to turn you to drink, to be honest.

Or more Stockhausen, in my case …

Or, just to be different … ?

Another episode of series six of House of Cards … 

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 6/Chapter 71 — The Review

10th January, 2019.

You know, the one thing I can say about unemployment?

Is that trains fares are expensive.

At least, that’s what my case worker was telling me this morning: after filling in two more forms for two more tickets, next week.

Tuesday and Wednesday, so you know.

Wish me luck on that front.



At any rate … ?

The situation had left him telling they’d have to think about getting me a discount card.

Which would be nice …

~≈§≈~

At any rate, I mentioned that I had the video for Bowie’s Blackstar on?

Which seemed appropriate, as today marks the anniversary of his death.

What can I tell you … ?

Apart from the fact the album’s superb, the video strange … 

And Bowie left a very large legacy … 

~≈§≈~

Bowie … ?



Schmowie!

Ahem!

I’ve had — as ever — time off: that I want to make good use of.

And … ?   Well, in that time, I need to get to bed early: as I have a dentist appointment in the morning.

And … ?

I want to tell you I’ve seen more of House of Cards’ sixth seaon.

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 5/Chapter 70 — The Review

6th January, 2019.

Right … 

Firstly … ?

Yes: I have a copy of the Beatles Abbey Road, playing in the background, as I write.

Yes, that Abbey Road: the one whose cover famously proved Paul McCartney was dead.

Or that — at weekends — he was called Clara.

At any rate … ?

I have to confess to having had dinner at my family’s place, today.

Jude, my now right year-old nephew?

Was showing off one of Christmas presents.   It turns out the retro games console he got, can be plugged into the TV.

Hours of fun, there: and yes, he found a retro game with the Turtles on it …

~≈§≈~



At any rate that’s sort of incidental … 

Especially as not even Grandma could figure out how you switched between mini games on the Olimpic game … 

Sorry, I was getting side tracked, there … !

At any rate, most of the chat, really IS incidental: as I’ve caught another episode from House of Cards sixth season … 

One that seems less weak than the last I saw.

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 4/Chapter 69 — The Review

5th January, 2019.

Yes, yes, OK … 

Sue me already: I’v got Kraftwerk’s Tour de France on in the background.

I like the odd bit Düsseldorf school, German electronica!

And, although I haven’t actually yawned on the video?

I am decidedly rushed, at the moment.

Because … ?

I’m actually feeling like I want an early night … 

But wanted to let you know I’ve seen another episode of series six, of House of Cards … 

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 3/Chapter 68 — The Review

4th January, 2019.

I’m kind of right, aren’t I … ?



Modern technology has a tendency to beep …

Quite a bit.

Even as I speak … ?

Both my phone, and my tablet, are beeping at me: in a desperate attempt to tell me I have a message.

A former workmate, telling me she’s made a move in Words With Friends.

Or something.

But it IS odd, when your phone, and tablet, do it … seconds apart … 

And then get told what the time is, by you computer* … 

At any rate … ?



I’ve got beeping going on … 

Which isn’t why I’m writing … 

No … 

I’ve been at it again … 

Catching another episode of House of Cards, series six … 

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 2/Chapter 67 — The Review

3rd January 2019

Yep: I had Mike Oldfield’s Incantations album on, when I did that video introduction.

And, yes: right now?

I’ve changed metaphorical records.

To Tubular Bells.

Frankly?

I think Tubular Bells is possibly the better album.

At least, the less twee LP.

After all, Incantations has at least mention of the word ‘teepee’: which puts it into raving hippie territory, from where I’m sitting … 

At any rate?

I’ve posted the Spotify version of Incantations.

I may as well give you Tubular Bells … 

~≈§≈~

At any rate … 

Sorry, I almost said at any rat there … !

At any rate, you’ve possible realised — by now — that I like a TV box set, every often.

That usually, I’d go for science fiction, or horror.

But you’v e possibly also worked out that US political thriller, House of Cards has been on my books for a while.

Certainly the first episode of series six was, last night.

Tonight … ?

Well, I’ve had time for another episode, tonight …

You’d possibly guessed … 

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 1/Chapter 66 : The Review

2nd January, 2018.

Right … 

I have to admit, there is something I’ve been meaning to do for a while, now.

Actually, no: there’s several things I’ve been meaning to do.

Bungey jumping off a hobbit is one idea.

Winning a million quid is another.

Oh …



And figuring out the controls my phone’s version of Spotify: so that I can use it as a remote control for the version on my iMac … !

It’s OK, I’ve figured it out, thus far … but there does seem to be a bit of poking around involved.

Just get ads interrupting a favourite LP.

Still … 

It’s a new and different way of accessing my content.

Which is the important thing.

~≈¥≈~

Now … 

Things I’ve MEANT to do … ?

As you know, I like the odd TV show.

And, as you’ve possibly worked out?

Dr Who being one favourite.

Something I know I haven’t caught in a while … ?

Something that’s now officially over: leaving me only the one season to watch … ?

You’re right … 

I’ve been meaning to catch series six of House of Cards for some time, now … 

~≈¥≈~

American Horror Story — Series 6: Roanoke — Chapter 9 and Chapter 10.

19th June, 2018.

OK, OK, SUE me … !

I happen to like Jean Michel Jarre.

Or, at least, his earlier stuff: including Equinoxe.

That’s not why I’m here, though … 

There’s possibly a LOT of reasons why I’m here … 

One of them … ?

Is that I’ve just seen the last two episodes of American Horror Story, series 6, Roanoke … 

And yes: that was a good little series … 

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 6: Roanoke — Chapter 6, Chapter 7 and Chapter 8.

17th June, 2018

No: you’re right …

I’m not especially devout, either.

But … ?

I’m not a fan of football.

Quite what to point at, that makes me distinctly uninterested in the world’s national game … ?

I really couldn’t tell you.

Suffice to say …

Suffice?

Ha!

At any rate: I’m not one for the football: having grown up when BBC1 screened first division games.

And would delay delay Dr Who, if need be, when a game went into extra time.

Something that’s left me preferring to not watch the silliness if it’s on.

And not recognising a professional footballer should he walk into somewhere I’m working.

Which is true, actually.   We had Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock turn up at one pub I worked in, not long after he did I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.

I thought he’d been on Big Brother.

And, equally as honestly?   I’d probably only recognise Vinnie Jones because he’s been in a couple of films I’ve seen.

Not because of his footballing career.

At any rate, the point I’m trying to make?

Is that I’m not a football fan.

And that, given I’ve a day off, during the 2018 World Cup?

I wasn’t actually planning to watch the games.

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 6: Roanoke — Chapter 4 and Chapter 5

11th June, 2018.

Yes, OK … sue me!

But I’m still going to like Jean Michel Jarre’s mid-seventies albums.

Saying that?

I can’t help but notice he did an album of stock music.   In 1973: effectively predating Oxygène.

Here’s hoping the blessed thing gets released on iTunes!

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

Explaining my choice of background music is not why I’m here.

No … 

I told you — last night — I’d made a start on American Horror Story’s sixth series, Roanoke.

And though you might to want to know … 

That, yes … I‘ve seen two more episodes.

And guess what?   Gaga’s starting to talk … 

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 6: Roanoke — Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3.

10th June, 2018

Yes: I’m not lying.

I had planned to watch a movie, tonight.

No, really.

I honestly had planned to watch a film.

But … ?



With Black Panther still only available to pre-order on iTunes and Amazon, possibly giving good old fashioned video pirates a chance to earn money?



And with nothing in the collection grabbing my attention … ?

I fancied watching something … available … and watchable.

So … I looked in my collection of TV box sets.

Yes.

I’ve got all of the currently available copies of American Horror Story.

With nothing else grabbing my attention … ?

I thought getting started on series 6, Roanoke, might just repay me.

So far … ?

~≈§≈~

The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe: The 2011 Christmas Special

(Originally posted on Nik Nak and Grub’s Who Peculiar, 25 December 2011 20:32:00)

You know, I’ve got to confess, I’m a thinking I’ve had a rather good Christmas, on the whole.

Generally speaking, that is …

After all, I’ve ended up with loot: of gifts appropriate to the season, I should say.

And what’s more … ?

My nephew, Jude — who’s 1 year old, tomorrow — was decidedly impressed with the toy mobile phone I’d got him as a combined birthday and Christmas present.

Oh, and happy distracted by one of the labels from one of his other presents, I should add.

Always the way, isn’t it … ?

And what’s more … ?

I’m also thinking I’ve seen a very good Christmas special of Dr Who.

Hmmm …

And that’s an impressed, “Hmmm”, I think I should add.

««·»»

The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe sees Matt Smith’s 11th Doctor being rescued from the hole he’s in — or impact crater, I should say — by Marge Arwell: who, played by Claire Skinner, is the Widow of the title, after her husband is killed during WW2.

And fortunately or otherwise … ?

Marge decides to take herself and her children to relatives in Dorset: where she plans to spend the Christmas season trying to give her children some measure of happiness, before she breaks the terrible news to them of their father’s death.

A plan that only goes slightly astray, when the family meets the old manor-house’s new caretaker …

««·»»

Now, I told you I was impressed …

Oh, yes, that I am!

I know that series six had it’s spotty patches — being shown in two parts definitely being a contributing factor, there — but I also believe that an on-form Steven Moffat is certainly equal of the best the show has ever been.

Granted, I feel he’s not the outright genius Russell T. Davies was and is with co-ordinating a story-arc: I’m thinking he’s possibly finding it work.

But it seems to me that his major strength is in individual stories.

(Which is QUITE a list, however one looks at it.)

And — with it’s time travelling, inter-dimensional slant on both The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and The Railway Children — The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe … ?

Is one hell of a story.

Dr Who Episode 13: The Wedding of River Song

Wow …

I’m …

Oh, to heck with it: I know Grub’s going to complain.

But I am decidedly impressed.

Although with a … reservation … or two, maybe.

Actually, maybe not …

»»·««

Hmm …

You can’t tell I’m tired, can you … ?

Or burbling …

I’ve an excuse, though: I’ve actually been to both my kid sister, Ruth’s birthday, this afternoon, along with the rest of my family!

»»•««

2/10/2011

Which is sort of why I’m actually finishing this post off, today, rather than last night.

I couldn’t actually stay awake, much longer, I know that much … !

But let’s move on, and talk about last night’s Dr Who, shall we … ?

»»•««

Series Six finale, The Wedding of River Song, starts 5:02pm on 22nd April, 2011.

In a version of the universe that has been frozen.

In a way that sees Holy Roman Emperor Winston Churchill forcing his Soothsayer — a version of The Doctor that’s he’s imprisoned in the Tower — quizzing the Dr on what’s happened.

And being told that time has been frozen …

By a woman …

»»•««

Now, Grub, bless him, will probably tell you I’m impressed.

Well, possibly impressed, debatably gobsmacked, and possibly possessed of a side order of awe.

He’d possibly be right … Or wrong … Or something …

On the level of last night’s episode … ?

He does have a point: I thoroughly enjoyed The Wedding of River Song, and found it a satisfying conclusion to a puzzling story-arc.

Saying that … ?

Saying that, I’ve got to admit, I feel disappointed by a few things, this series.

I think the main thing to get off my chest … ?

Is the obvious and simple one.

The the fact that series six came in two halves.

Now, I don’t know about you, but after some 5 years of new Dr Who, I’ve kind of got used to a thirteen week run.

This half and half mix … ? Was something I personally found a touch irritating, even though I’m very aware that it’s probably been done to line up series 8 — or whatever they decide to number it — so that it starts — or finishes, more likely — on Saturday, 23rd November, 2013.

And to get next years series around the VERY large hump that’s the BBC’s coverage of the London 2012 Olympics.

Given the amount of talk about whether next years series is to be a full thirteen episodes … ?

Well …

I’m not sure if the two halves we’ve seen, this year, bode well.

»»•««

Dr Who Episode 12: Closing Time

(Originally posted on 24 September 2011 20:10:00, on Nik Nak and Grub’s Who Peculiar)

Hmmm …

I might even go as far as Hmmmmmm …

Although don’t tell Grub I actually said so, please … !

You see …

I’m actually not impressed with tonight’s episode of Dr Who.

Hmmm …

Maybe that’s not the right phrase, there.

But I’m fairly sure that episode 12 — Closing Time — is going to go down in history as something of a lightweight.

At any rate …

Closing Time sees the Doctor — without Amy and Rory — paying a visit to his old friend — and former landlord — Craig — Daniel Corden, reprising his role from last years The Lodger — just when a series of strange power cuts start hitting both Craig’s home town: focused on a nearby department store called S & Gs.

Those cuts … ? Along with the associated disappearances … ? Are all tied in with the Cybership that’s stuck under the department store: and using tunnels and it’s one remaining cybermat to drain electrical energy to rebuild the crew.

»»—««

Now …

I was saying about unimpressed … ?

Yes, I think that’s DEFINITELY the case, here, with Closing Time.

And here’s WHY, though …

You, for this sixth series, Moffat and co have — as you’ve probably already noticed — been running that Silence Will Fall/Impossible Astronaut story line.

And what I’m thinking, here, is that, while each individual story is good, as is the overarching story, I don’t think they’ve been as sewn together as well as one could possibly have thought.

I can’t complain too much: I doubt VERY much if I could do as well. I’m also thinking that this is new territory to Steven Moffat. AND to the show, itself: after all, that through-story has only been done — to my knowledge — only twice before, with The Key To Time and The Trial of a Timelord.

And I’m also aware — from various sources — that the main cast have been booked up for series 7.

So, as disappointing as I may have found Closing Time — an episode struggling to both enough time to it’s story AND to the story-arc* — I’m ALSO aware that Moffat and co are doing something fairly radical for Dr Who.

Introducing a story arc: one I think’s certainly going to last until next year.

Here’s hoping it pays off.

After all, what with one thing and another, it seems that a fairly significant date in 2013 …

Is going to be a Saturday.

* To borrow an old phrase from Terry Pratchett, it’s too short for Richard and too long for Dick.

Dr Who Episode 11: The God Complex

(Originally posted on Nik Nak and Grub’s Who Peculiar, 17 September 2011 20:07:00)

Oh, now, wait a minute, HANG ON!

I’m SOOOOOO jealous!

Toby Whithouse is officially a jammy what’sit!

Not only has he writing a stinker of an episode of Dr Who — the instalment shown tonight, episode 11, The God Complex — but him and his two children got a tour of the Dr Who props department!

I mean, talk about your WOW factor!

Really … !

Hang on, deep breath …

Now …

Let me see if I can’t relax just a touch, and not overdo the exclamation marks, shall we … ?

Yes, lets … !

~≈§≈~

Tonight’s episode — episode 11, as I’ve said — is called The God Complex, and was penned by Toby Whithouse, the man behind smash BBC 3 hit, Being Human.

It sees the Doctor, Amy and Rory finding themselves in what turns out to be a fake hotel.

A fake 1980s era, Earth hotel.

A fake 1980s era, Earth hotel that has no way out, corridors that double-back on themselves, a handful of other guests, rooms that have individually crafted nightmares for all comers …

And something large, hairy and unpleasant, that seems to be feeding on the fear generated by the things in each of the rooms.

~≈§≈~

Dr Who Episode 10: The Girl Who Waited

(Originally posted on Nik Nak and Grub’s Who Peculiar on 10 September 2011 20:11:00.)

Grub … ?

Were you impressed … ?

I was impressed … !

Seriously … !

I’m in enthusiastic burble mode.

You can tell, can’t you … ?

Ooooh, hang on, the Focus Puller … !

Yes …

I’m definitely burbling, aren’t … !

Right, hang on …

Cup of tea, deep breath …

And let me tell you about tonight’s episode of Dr Who … !

‹‹•››

Episode 10, The Girl Who Waited sees the Dr, Amy and Rory heading off for the resort world of Apalapucia: which the Dr happily claim’s is a lot less touristy than the universe’s best resort.

The trouble is, of course … ?

The one thing you EXPECT to be a problem on ANY foreign trip, really.

Getting caught up in Quarantine, on the way through.

Seemingly … ?

One will affect both the Doctor, and the natives, and kill either within a day.

The unfortunate thing … ?

Is that while the Doctor manages to get he and Rory back to the TARDIS, Amy is caught up in a mildly parallel time stream, initially designed to isolate infected visitors.

Notice I say mildly parallel … ?

Mildly parallel …

And slightly faster.

With the net result that Amy is left stranded for thirty-six years, being chased by the robots, the Hand-Bots.

‹‹•››

Now …

I’ll be frank, again, I don’t know if you actually caught The Girl Who Waited, tonight, but if you didn’t … ?

If you didn’t, I personally believe you’ve missed a cracker of an episode!

For starters, Karen Gillan’s performance, as both the older and younger Amy was amazing.

Yes, I know: and I’m honest enough to admit 5’11” of cute redhead’s very hard to ignore … !

But there’s a scene where ‘our’ Amy is interacting with her older self, through a magnifying glass that’s a joy to watch.

I’ll let you catch that for yourself.

But if you’ve missed tonight’s four-handed episode?

Well …

You’ve missed a treat … !

Dr Who Episode 9: Night Terrors

(Originally Posted on Nik Nak And Grub’s Who Peculiar, on 3 September 2011 19:59:00)

You know, I’ve GOT to confess …

I’m impressed.

Rather definitely!

Impressed is the word … !

Although LORD know’s what Grub — and more importantly his daughter — will make of tonight’s episode of Dr Who.

You see …

I’m thinking I’ve not necessarily seen the best episode of the entire new series of Dr Who: but am personally convinced I’ve seen the best episode of series 6.

And considering I thought the two part Rebel Flesh/Almost People was the prize winning pairing of the season, that’s saying something … !

Night Terrors — written by Mark Gatiss and directed by Richard Clark — sees the Doctor, Amy and Rory summoned to Earth by telepathic cries for help from a very scared little boy called George, on an unnamed housing estate, somewhere in England.

A little boy who is both not entirely what he seems.

And one who’s incredibly scared “… of the monsters” …

Seemingly … ?

George had got something nasty in the wardrobe.

Which sounds ambiguous, I know …

Until we find that George, unbeknownst to his parents, is something of a benevolent cuckoo child: a member of a species called the Tenza, whose mild telepathic ability are causing havoc in the flat where he lives.

Havoc that includes trapping his father, and the Doctor and his crew, in a dolls house in the bottom of the wardrobe.

»»·««

Now …

About impressed … ?

Yes, I am, actually …

You see, I’ve been loving the feel of this series, over all.

But HAVE to admit that the overall story arc — about River/Melody and whoever it is that she kills — is …

Well, isn’t boring: it’s entertaining and wonderful to watch.

But Night Terrors … ?

DOES mark a nice break, a nice little change of pace.

AND a nice little episode in and of itself …

AND adds what I think are one of the three creepiest monsters I’ve seen in new Dr Who.