Today was the day. I wore my zombie shirt, took my kids out to shoot their zombie blow guns at their zombie targets, ate my zombie chocolate Easter bunny, drank out of my "I HEART Zombies" glass, and sat down to turn in for The Walking Dead Season Finale. After all this build up today...I am feeling as though my intestines have been gutted by a Walker. What the heck was that? They are pulling an early April Fools Day trick on us and we have another episode left right? WRONG...
Now don't get me wrong, I did like SOME things about the episode...
1. The Governor going psycho on his remaining "ARMY" and taking them out himself. This showed his TRUE color here and now we are seeing the REAL Governor. This actually makes me excited to see what is in store for his character next season. Where can this guy go from here?
2. "In this life you kill or you die, or you die and you kill." This was said by The Governor when he stabs Milton and leaves him to kill Andrea...One way or another. Again, brilliant and creative writing here. This adds even more to the evil character. They were pulling out all of the stops to get him over as the true heel character he is.
3. Carl shooting the young man in the woods. WOW! Where do they go with Carl in Season 4? This boy has some serious issues. He has put down his mother's lover/father figure while his father was absent and his own mother in the last two seasons. What next? Let's hope they have brought a counselor back with them in that bus of refugees! Carl is going to need it!
4. Tyreese...I love this character. I hope TWD writers develop and invest in this guy during Season 4. Love the way he stood up to The Governor. Rick and his band of misfits are going to need this guy around!
5. Maggie and Glenn getting all badass in the prison fight. It was good to see these two go toe to toe with The Governor and his army and not back down. I am liking these two fighting side by side!
6. Andrea...She dies! Finally!
Now...What I didn't like...
1. The lack of the true Daryl moment...This guy just STABBED his own brother repeatedly in the head last time we saw him. They really didn't touch base on this. Shouldn't it have been more of a life changing moment than this?
2. The prison battle itself...We waited for this. They were going to WAR! When the show started with the actual battle, I thought to myself, "If this is happening this early, what is the rest of the episode going to be about?" As soon as it started, BAM, it was over. Now I understand the reasoning behind it. These people were NOT meant for a war. The Governor suckered a group of rag tag people to be his soldiers. But come on! Really? I waited ALL season for the FIVE MINUTE war scene? Hell, the commercial breaks were longer!
3. The ominous approach of a closed door. They did this last season with Sophia. Now with Andrea? It was well done with the Sophia situation, not so with Andrea. Please writers, no more set ups like this. We know now that someone will be either Walkified or close to being Walkified if the door is shut. Be more creative!
4. The lack of Morgan. BRING THIS MAN BACK! He makes the show THAT MUCH BETTER! ONE EPISODE? That's all we got of the man? Come on!
5. Andrea...She dies! But the way it happens...I felt NOTHING! The reveal was too obvious! What was the point of killing Milton and Andrea? Neither one survives? Why? I would have rather SEEN the event that took place than the "behind the door" style shot.
6. The episode as a whole...MEH...I really felt cheated! No cliffhanger. No real surprises. No real mouth hanging moments. I really thought we were going to see Maggie, Glenn, or Rick shot in the head during a few of the scenes. I waited...Waited...Nothing.
7. And NO Governor/Rick huge one on one brawl. This HAS to happen right?
TWD finale was average at best. Fans I think expect more with what this series has offered before. They really didn't deliver this time around. Hearing all sorts of things about the finale, I expected so much. I did not expect what we got. Which was basically a middle of the season mediocre episode at best. Not FINALE potential.
So where do we go from here? Does The Governor fade next season to return later in Season 5 or halfway through Season 4? How do we devote enough time to all of the NEW characters entering the prison family? Now that Rick appears to be mentally stable again, how do we get Morgan and Carl there?
And just WHO IS MOWING ALL THE LAWNS?
So many questions...So many possibilities...
October is a LONG way away!
JM
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Who's It Gonna Be?
As we are just DAYS away from The Walking Dead's Season Three finale, the anxiety and the questions begin to set in. Where do they go from here? What is going to happen next? Most importantly...Who is going to become Zombie Chow?
First, let me tell you who I think it is NOT going to be...
1. Rick-He is the CENTER point of the whole series. If this was the SERIES finale, then I could see him making some sort of ultimate sacrifice and saving the group and going down in a blaze of glory. But it's not. And AMC has already announced production of Season 4 beginning this May. Is Rick safe? ABSOLUTELY!
2. Carl-Even though the little booger is annoying as hell and seems to get the group in the most trouble...Hey, let me go shoot at this here Walker, let him live, and then lead him back to the farm...He is not going anywhere. Also, think about the way if would affect Rick. He has already been down the dark road with the death of Lori this season. Folks, Carl may wander off somewhere, but not from the set of the show. He is safe.
3. Daryl-Undoubtedly the MOST popular character of the show, the producers would NOT dare kill him off yet. We have so much more to get from Daryl, especially after the man had to take down his own zombified brother last week. If you have seen the shirts, "If Daryl dies, we riot", I believe fans would do such. I don't think AMC wants millions and millions of fans storming their corporate offices with crossbows in hand. Nope...Daryl will live to see Season 4.
4. Michonne-Again, besides Daryl, she is the MOST popular and exciting character TWD has to offer. We have a great deal of untapped storyline with her still available and she has now just really become a part of the group. No my friends, Michonne will be swinging that blade for a bit longer.
So who will IT be...
1. Hershel-Sad to say, but AMC is just keeping this guy warm for the zombies to chow down on. Yes, he is a solid staple to the show, but we all know the old man role, see Dale, becomes dispensable. Part of me thinks if they went through the trouble to cut the poor guy's leg off, they have to keep him around for awhile, right? Wrong. Especially if they are hitting the road again. He becomes a hazard to the group. Also, Hershel has stated he will do "anything" to keep his daughters safe. And with Glenn stepping in as the "man" role of his family, it makes it even more apparent that he could be going bye, bye soon. Could Hershel be the one to sacrifice himself to destroy all of the Governor's men so the others can get away? Strong possibility.
2. Glenn-I really don't want to say his name, but it's a strong possibility. His tenure on the show is running quite lengthy, and if they want to go for the heart punch, killing him off to save Maggie right before they get a chance to marry is pretty hard hitting. However, my strongest doubt with this is Hershel. If Hershel dies, Glenn is safe. Also, the producers have already traveled down this road with Lori and Rick. Glenn has come a long way since his debut, is that a reason to get rid of him?
3. Andrea-She is in quite the pickle and her fan base has gone downhill. Yes, Andrea could be a casualty this season, and frankly, would we miss her? Even though she is a prime candidate, I think she will make it. I think Andrea will escape, with the help of Milton. I even think Andrea could be the person that takes over for The Governor at the end of the season. But, until we see that for sure, Andrea beat the odds in last season's finale, maybe not so this time around.
4. Judith-I know what you are thinking. Really? How can you go there? But if you have read the comics, Judith does die along with Lori in the siege of the prison. Could AMC really go there? Andrew Lincoln, Rick, has stated several times that the finale this season even shocked him and that the prison family will be greatly affected by a loss. How more affected can you be but by the death of an infant? Seeing that Rick already suffered a huge loss at the hands of Lori and killing Judith would lessen Lori's own death and sacrifice, I don't see Little Ass Kicker being a victim here.
What of The Governor? I think he is a goner anyway. The storyline must end this season and you can't have this guy continue on after everything he has done to Rick and the others. But, who does it? Rick? Andrea? Daryl? Glenn? Michonne?
I think The Governor dies at the hands of the people of Woodsboro. Everyone dies at the prison, either by a huge onslaught of Walkers or the return of Morgan and some cleverly placed booby traps. The Governor returns to get more help, only to be met by Andrea who has been saved by Milton. Both expose The Governor for who and what he is. The townspeople, angry and upset over the unnecessary sacrifices of their own, turn on The Governor and kill him. Andrea and Milton become the new leaders as Rick and crew ride off into the sunset looking for new adventures. Down one character...HERSHEL.
Pretty good huh? Well, a few days left and we shall see what AMC has in store for us.
Stay hungry my zombified friends!
First, let me tell you who I think it is NOT going to be...
1. Rick-He is the CENTER point of the whole series. If this was the SERIES finale, then I could see him making some sort of ultimate sacrifice and saving the group and going down in a blaze of glory. But it's not. And AMC has already announced production of Season 4 beginning this May. Is Rick safe? ABSOLUTELY!
2. Carl-Even though the little booger is annoying as hell and seems to get the group in the most trouble...Hey, let me go shoot at this here Walker, let him live, and then lead him back to the farm...He is not going anywhere. Also, think about the way if would affect Rick. He has already been down the dark road with the death of Lori this season. Folks, Carl may wander off somewhere, but not from the set of the show. He is safe.
3. Daryl-Undoubtedly the MOST popular character of the show, the producers would NOT dare kill him off yet. We have so much more to get from Daryl, especially after the man had to take down his own zombified brother last week. If you have seen the shirts, "If Daryl dies, we riot", I believe fans would do such. I don't think AMC wants millions and millions of fans storming their corporate offices with crossbows in hand. Nope...Daryl will live to see Season 4.
4. Michonne-Again, besides Daryl, she is the MOST popular and exciting character TWD has to offer. We have a great deal of untapped storyline with her still available and she has now just really become a part of the group. No my friends, Michonne will be swinging that blade for a bit longer.
So who will IT be...
1. Hershel-Sad to say, but AMC is just keeping this guy warm for the zombies to chow down on. Yes, he is a solid staple to the show, but we all know the old man role, see Dale, becomes dispensable. Part of me thinks if they went through the trouble to cut the poor guy's leg off, they have to keep him around for awhile, right? Wrong. Especially if they are hitting the road again. He becomes a hazard to the group. Also, Hershel has stated he will do "anything" to keep his daughters safe. And with Glenn stepping in as the "man" role of his family, it makes it even more apparent that he could be going bye, bye soon. Could Hershel be the one to sacrifice himself to destroy all of the Governor's men so the others can get away? Strong possibility.
2. Glenn-I really don't want to say his name, but it's a strong possibility. His tenure on the show is running quite lengthy, and if they want to go for the heart punch, killing him off to save Maggie right before they get a chance to marry is pretty hard hitting. However, my strongest doubt with this is Hershel. If Hershel dies, Glenn is safe. Also, the producers have already traveled down this road with Lori and Rick. Glenn has come a long way since his debut, is that a reason to get rid of him?
3. Andrea-She is in quite the pickle and her fan base has gone downhill. Yes, Andrea could be a casualty this season, and frankly, would we miss her? Even though she is a prime candidate, I think she will make it. I think Andrea will escape, with the help of Milton. I even think Andrea could be the person that takes over for The Governor at the end of the season. But, until we see that for sure, Andrea beat the odds in last season's finale, maybe not so this time around.
4. Judith-I know what you are thinking. Really? How can you go there? But if you have read the comics, Judith does die along with Lori in the siege of the prison. Could AMC really go there? Andrew Lincoln, Rick, has stated several times that the finale this season even shocked him and that the prison family will be greatly affected by a loss. How more affected can you be but by the death of an infant? Seeing that Rick already suffered a huge loss at the hands of Lori and killing Judith would lessen Lori's own death and sacrifice, I don't see Little Ass Kicker being a victim here.
What of The Governor? I think he is a goner anyway. The storyline must end this season and you can't have this guy continue on after everything he has done to Rick and the others. But, who does it? Rick? Andrea? Daryl? Glenn? Michonne?
I think The Governor dies at the hands of the people of Woodsboro. Everyone dies at the prison, either by a huge onslaught of Walkers or the return of Morgan and some cleverly placed booby traps. The Governor returns to get more help, only to be met by Andrea who has been saved by Milton. Both expose The Governor for who and what he is. The townspeople, angry and upset over the unnecessary sacrifices of their own, turn on The Governor and kill him. Andrea and Milton become the new leaders as Rick and crew ride off into the sunset looking for new adventures. Down one character...HERSHEL.
Pretty good huh? Well, a few days left and we shall see what AMC has in store for us.
Stay hungry my zombified friends!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Ghost Town Chapter 1
The alarm went off slicing through the silence like a knife through warm butter. Booger quickly jumped up and shut the beeping sound off. He sat on the edge of his bed and began to rub his eyes.
He immediately thought of one thing. The only way he was going to survive this Monday morning was with breakfast. He could taste the simmering eggs and that tall glass of milk! Ah...How he loved food!
Booger quickly through on some clothes on his body and ran down to the kitchen. He whipped up a batch of his marvelous eggs and sat down. He actually was a very good cook.
After he had finished his meal, he went out to wait for the bus. When the bus got there, it was around 7:30 and he quickly hopped on. During the bus ride, he teased Kim McDermott a few times and knocked a few heads together. Finally, the bus reached its destination, Woodlawn High School.
The day was just like any other day, a few stabbings, fights, and killings at Jim's, Jeremy Mays got an A+ on his science test, and the usual other boring stuff. Before Booger knew it, it was 7th Period...World History time!
Mr. Morris gave out the same boring sheets as everyone sat down to work. Something odd was going on with Mr. Morris. The whole class noticed it too. He seemed strangely happy for some reason.
Soon, the bell rang and everyone got up to go home. Mr. Morris motioned everyone to sit back down. He then spoke. "I need to see these people...Mark, Kim Langa, Kim McDermott, Natalie, Sheila, Jeremy, Charity, Chris, Matt, Booger, and Michael."
Everyone else bolted out of the door. As soon as the last of the other students had disappeared, Morris spoke again. "You guys aren't in any trouble so lighten up."
The eleven became relieved to hear this. "What are we here for then?" Booger asked.
"Well, Bryan," Bryan Phelps was Booger's real name, "I'm going to take you guys on a field trip. We will be gone about a week."
Everyone broke out into side conversations. Mr. Morris quickly quieted them down so he could finish.
"We are going to do some historical research at an old ghost town in Texas. We will be gone about a week. It will be school related and reports will have to be turned in."
"Of course he has to ruin it with homework," Chris Edwards quipped.
"So why did you pick us?" Matt Hails asked curiously.
"I picked you eleven because I trust you and know you will work for the information. Well, maybe most of you," Mr. Morris gave a quick head nod to Chris.
"When do we leave?" Natalie Tinsley asked.
"Actually tonight. I have already cleared everything with your families. You need to be here in my classroom at 7:00 sharp." Mr. Morris motioned for them to leave.
"This is going to be a blast!" Kim McDermott said as she walked out of the door.
"Don't forget to bring some of your music, Mark!" Jeremy yelled.
"I'll bring my machine, but someone needs to bring the tapes!" Mark Fuller said.
"Ah, a week vacation from school!" Michael exclaimed as he started towards the door.
Little did this group know that they were going to encounter the most horrible weekend of their lives...
He immediately thought of one thing. The only way he was going to survive this Monday morning was with breakfast. He could taste the simmering eggs and that tall glass of milk! Ah...How he loved food!
Booger quickly through on some clothes on his body and ran down to the kitchen. He whipped up a batch of his marvelous eggs and sat down. He actually was a very good cook.
After he had finished his meal, he went out to wait for the bus. When the bus got there, it was around 7:30 and he quickly hopped on. During the bus ride, he teased Kim McDermott a few times and knocked a few heads together. Finally, the bus reached its destination, Woodlawn High School.
The day was just like any other day, a few stabbings, fights, and killings at Jim's, Jeremy Mays got an A+ on his science test, and the usual other boring stuff. Before Booger knew it, it was 7th Period...World History time!
Mr. Morris gave out the same boring sheets as everyone sat down to work. Something odd was going on with Mr. Morris. The whole class noticed it too. He seemed strangely happy for some reason.
Soon, the bell rang and everyone got up to go home. Mr. Morris motioned everyone to sit back down. He then spoke. "I need to see these people...Mark, Kim Langa, Kim McDermott, Natalie, Sheila, Jeremy, Charity, Chris, Matt, Booger, and Michael."
Everyone else bolted out of the door. As soon as the last of the other students had disappeared, Morris spoke again. "You guys aren't in any trouble so lighten up."
The eleven became relieved to hear this. "What are we here for then?" Booger asked.
"Well, Bryan," Bryan Phelps was Booger's real name, "I'm going to take you guys on a field trip. We will be gone about a week."
Everyone broke out into side conversations. Mr. Morris quickly quieted them down so he could finish.
"We are going to do some historical research at an old ghost town in Texas. We will be gone about a week. It will be school related and reports will have to be turned in."
"Of course he has to ruin it with homework," Chris Edwards quipped.
"So why did you pick us?" Matt Hails asked curiously.
"I picked you eleven because I trust you and know you will work for the information. Well, maybe most of you," Mr. Morris gave a quick head nod to Chris.
"When do we leave?" Natalie Tinsley asked.
"Actually tonight. I have already cleared everything with your families. You need to be here in my classroom at 7:00 sharp." Mr. Morris motioned for them to leave.
"This is going to be a blast!" Kim McDermott said as she walked out of the door.
"Don't forget to bring some of your music, Mark!" Jeremy yelled.
"I'll bring my machine, but someone needs to bring the tapes!" Mark Fuller said.
"Ah, a week vacation from school!" Michael exclaimed as he started towards the door.
Little did this group know that they were going to encounter the most horrible weekend of their lives...
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
SOTD - Changed
I know it's been awhile since I've posted a new SOTD, but this song had to be done.
MH
MH
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Twenty-five Years in the Making
There comes a time in our lives, that fate and destiny step in. They take over. This was such the case in August of 1988.
I remember sitting at a desk, at Woodlawn High School in Woodlawn, Illinois, staring down at a blank sheet of paper. All sorts of people were around me. Some I knew, some I had yet to get to know. I sat there and wondered. Questioned. What if...
I then chose to put pen to paper. Using my fellow classmates around me as characters, I plotted a story. A story that gave me a place and a purpose as a lonely high school freshman. A story that gave birth to four additional tales in the same time and world. A story that changed my life as it proved to me that I could do something powerful...
I could WRITE!
As this year is the 25th Anniversary of this novel, I have decided to share with you this masterpiece. Is it perfect? No. This tale is being transcribed just as it was written 25 years ago from the perspective and the mind of a fourteen year old boy. Does that make it any less fantastic?
Not to me...
Those of you who were a part of the original journey 25 years ago, I hope you take the time to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere that this hopefully creates for you. I loved this story then, and I love it now. Not just for the exciting plot, but for the characters that I loved...Who in actuality were the people that I loved during that time and still do to this day.
So watch for the chapters ahead. Watch for the historical walk down memory lane. Watch for the cheesefest that only the mind of a fourteen year old boy can create. Watch for...
GHOST TOWN!
Actual photos of the original document:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
She Ain't Metallica!
Tonight my daughter and my wife are seeing Taylor Swift in concert at the Scott Trade Center in St. Louis. This reminds me of the time JMH was at the Trade Center with Metallica! This isn't our video, but it does show some of the concert footage we were a part of. Look closely...You just might see JMH in action!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Twitter!
Get your up to the minute JMH entertainment news, rants, and opinions...Check us out! JMH @jmhrants
Friday, March 1, 2013
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