Please be advised Christian has never seen "Drake and Josh" and in no way can discuss it with you. AND NO "I can't decide!" or "I don't know what this is." is not a valid answer.
For what it's WORTH I just took this rockin' Drake and Josh quiz and got this result: "You're Drake Parker! You are the cool musician. You have lots of fun and everyone loves you plus you get away with everything." I get away with EVERYTHING. I'm such a scamp! That Drake! What WON'T he pull?
No, but, seriously, does Josh lose or gain like 100 pounds during the course of the show? Why does he sometimes appear to look fat and sometimes look skinny in these photos?
To answer your question Christian, Josh Peck lost approximately 100 pounds over the course of the show, through dieting--read, giving up pizza--and moderate exercise. He is currently staring opposite John Stamos on "Grandfathered" on Fox.
Oh, absolutely. Shipping Wars is definitely Drake. I'm far more Josh-like.
Though the STEMs were never my strong suit--Shipping Wars spent high school as the manager of our baseball team; I spent my years studying theology and reading up on cryptids, as you may have gathered, and writing a 39,500 word novella. Shipping Wars hogged the video games.
Or maybe I'm more George-like, while Shipping Wars is Fred. He tends to be the idea guy. It's a long series of stories.
I don't know how to articulate it exactly. Twins are inherently fascinating and the journey from having no idea you two were related to finding out you are twins has been a fun one for me. Cryptid you in particular really remind me of someone I know in my own life. Plus I just like reading what you both have to say.
Hey Griff, I don't know if you'll see this, but I want to sincerely apologize for what happened on the Halloween post. The internet sucks sometimes, and people suck even worse, but Christian and I both hope you'll stick around in some capacity.
Is it weird, pathetic, or just stupid brilliant that I decided that Sean is Drake solely based on the fact that he's clearly rooting for Lucas and Maya?
Oh, look at that: Survey says... stupid brilliant. (Yes, I am replying to my own post). Also, by that same logic, I'm Josh. Huh. Well, nobody would ever mistake me for a Casanova so... I'm surprisingly okay with that.
Completely unrelated not, i know, but it's been nagging: What time zone is the timing on this thing? Is it accurate or just some weird internet thing, 'cause i can't figure out where would be 2 hours BEHIND me.
Guys, this is kind of off-topic. Okay, a lot off-topic, but hey, I'd like to spread the word where people will actually see it. I was going through the Texas reviews again, to check out new comments. It was brought to my attention the decision made for the musical accompaniment to "Texas Part 2" at the Campfire, where Lucas and Maya confront one another, is the same somber music that played at sadder scenes in the original "Boy Meets World."
The death of Chet Hunter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf496qoy-T4
Maya and Lucas at Campfire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOUBJHjaVns&app=desktop
Hi Milestones! I didn't think you'd show up this week. It's great to hear from you.
They probably did use the cue. Musical score is often overlooked and under-appreciated. Take "Rileytown," when Riley admits to Maya that she's being harassed. The scene had no background noise whatsoever--and when Shipping Wars and I watched it, you could hear a pin drop.
"Drake & Josh" is not connected to BMW whatsoever. It began airing on Nickelodeon in 2004, ran through till 2007, and enjoys a long stretch of reruns in syndication. Curiously, it had only fifty-seven episodes across four seasons. "Girl Meets World" will have it nearly matched at the end of two seasons.
"Drake & Josh" is essentially "The Odd Couple" for kids. A popular teenager who plays guitar in a garage band, Drake, has his life turned upside down when his mother re-marries and he winds up with a weatherman for a step-dad and a new step-brother, an extremely dorky, video game-loving, magician enthusiast named Josh.
There's really not much more to it than that. What set "Drake & Josh" apart was the fantastic chemistry between the lead actors. Seriously, they're as good comedy as kids would ever get.
If you have a spare half hour, this is one of the better episodes that shows the basic dynamic. I couldn't find the pilot, which would be a better introduction, but this is still pretty great. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAjbLyWQPz4
To the "Drake & Josh" fans out there, you're welcome.
Cryptid, my young friend, and, as I have recently learned, twin brother of Shipping Wars, also a friend, it’s great to be back. I was away on a business trip and wasn’t in a position to contribute to the Texas 2&3 discussion, having only seen the episodes once and under less than ideal circumstances.
I had a week’s worth of TV on my PVR, but the first thing I did was replay the Texas’ episodes. Then I went on this blog. GMW is the show that matters most to me, by a wide margin, even with the fall season underway. I still don’t quite know how to explain that.
Thanks for the info and the link. I will find the time.
Milestones, I really think Drake and Josh is terrible. The only redeeming feature IMO is their little sister, who tortures them for 4 seasons. Other than that there was nothing that I would watch it for. YMMV.
It could be that I am just too old to appreciate it, but I do like other "kids" television.
1960—thanks for the heads up. I will manage my expectations.
What other kids’ shows do you like? How to they compare to GMW?
Regarding the Forgiveness discussion below, is it possible there is some sleight of hand with Kermit? I know you follow what the GMW writers say, whereas I really only know the title of the episode. You make a compelling case for non-forgiveness on that front. So, I was wondering if Maya might ultimately be the one that needs and gets forgiveness, from Riley. While she doesn’t fire for effect the way a bully would, her shortcomings as a best friend have been to topic of conversation in these parts. Maybe Kermit’s presence is just a MacGuffin.
Ah Milestones, my friend, I cannot begin to explain how much I think you and 1960 bring to this blog. There's a different perspective here that I think not enough of us appreciate.
"Drake & Josh" is a straight-up comedy. Very rarely is there drama outside of story-of-the-week Aesop. And in truth, it isn't spectacular. What sets it apart is the chemistry of the leads. But, 1960 has a point--it is cliched and paint-by-numbers and over-the-top. Shipping Wars and I loved it, but hey, we were kids when it first started.
On the whole, I would argue that GMW is probably the most serious-minded nature of children shows currently airing, and one the better. The vast majority of shows for children are either almost entirely comedic, or over-the-top dramatic, or worse of all, obsessed with a pursuit of fame.
GMW is more grounded, for the most part, and as I'm sure you've gathered, and episodes with more over-the-top elements tend to be received far worse. "Friendship" had that horse in the school that virtually everyone hates, "1961" had a too-convenient Butterfly Effect and strained the timeline that wasn't great to begin with, "World of Terror 2" brought up haunting ghosts (as opposed to ascended souls who pop in now and then to check on loved ones) and connected GMW to shows whose mythology should be incompatible with the Feeny-verse.
Oh, and about the Forgiveness episode. It's pre-Texas in canon. So, I don't think Maya's behavior is going to be called to attention. While it's certainly annoying to see the show go back in time, so to speak, it could have been far worse--what if Cory set up the assignment as a way to get Riley to forgive Maya and Lucas for Texas antics?
GMW sets itself above other coming-of-age shows currently airing for one very significant reason: the actual, tangible character development of Farkle Minkus.
Over the last two years, we've seen Farkle grow from extremely neurotic, loud, "HA!" and "obsessed" with his crushes on Riley and Maya, into a more quiet, reserved, compassionate figure who is devoted to his friends, especially Riley and Maya, but now it's on a platonic level. They love each other deeply, as "Texas 3" indicates, but there doesn't appear to be romance. This may change; it may not.
But one thing I am almost positive of is that every other show on Nickelodeon or Disney would have kept Farkle in a suspended state of development to use as comic relief. Instead, GMW has let Farkle have arguably the most character development of the show, and certainly so among the boys.
Hi again, Cryptid, and thanks. I think the different frame of reference I have watching GMW is at least partly to blame for why I can’t seem to talk about the show without coughing up unasked-for bits of personal biography. With respect to Maya’s circumstance, I wouldn’t even try not to do that.
But before that, lest I forget to mention it in the midst of a maudlin reverie, I want say I am completely with you on Farkle. The development of that character has added to GMW’s potential. That’s an excellent point about it not happening on other shows.
Anyway, I started my GMWR commenting career with the confession that, for very personal reasons, it was the Maya stuff that put a hook in me, and a harpoon might have been a more accurate metaphor. The Shawn/Maya bedroom scene in Pluto that had eyes rolling on this blog is something I more or less lived through—except that it occurred near the functional end of our relationship, after a long period of attenuation and about a decade after I stopped being her presumptive future step dad. I never got married and never had kids. But not being able to sustain a relationship with her, and later her (half-) sister, is the central tragedy of my life. (Though the memories are alarmingly degraded, junior high was pretty horrible too, so GMW has it all over me right now.)
Though not totally absent, my “Maya’s” father was highly unreliable and worked under the table to avoid child support payments. But she never stopped hoping he would show up.
Outside of the time I yelled at Fish to get off my lawn, I never get mad at GMW. Yet, I share 1960’s hostility to forgiveness. If Kermit receives it, it better be on his deathbed.
I remember your story Milestones and I found it compelling. See, you and I didn't come across each other until, what was it "Yearbook"? But I remember distinctly becoming absorbed in it.
Anyway, as I've mentioned occasionally on this beautiful blog with its fantastic commenters, I spent my last year of college writing a novel for my thesis. The basic plot structure, as I told you, focused on a group of teenagers volunteering at a hospice center for critically ill children. What I didn't mention was the story of the two main characters.
If it pleases Sean and Christian, I now give vague details about my thesis, which I am in the process of re-writing with the intent for publication.
The protagonist has his life turned upside down when his cousin, two years his junior, moves in with his family while her parents divorce. The stay is meant to be temporary, but becomes permanent when it is revealed that both parents forfeit their parental rights to their daughter.
Likewise, Cryptid, I remember you telling me about your novel/thesis. Since you bring up sick kids, and some of my word choices might have allow for a different interpretation, I want to be clear that my “Maya” is alive and well. The subject material would nevertheless be hard on me. But, since you wrote it, I would be interesting it reading it.
Yeah, I came here first talking about Yearbook, though it was actually on the Semi-Formal post and my comment ran on such that I never got around to the subject episode.
It's going to be interesting. For better or worse, the writers have established Cory actually assigning a "Forgiveness Project" of sorts. *Yanks on History Minor Hat* While there's some interesting history lessons to be derived from forgiveness--Europe's treatment of Germany with the Treaty of Versailles following World War I being a catastrophe, compared to the United States' earnest attempts to reconcile with Japan following World War II--I doubt there will be good classroom scenes.
The question remains then, what is going to happen with Maya and her father? It's been a long time since Maya's family issues were last brought up--about fifteen episodes--which actually might be better. The audience is distracted but here's something that gnaws at Maya every single day. Will she forgive Kermit Clutterbucket?
My prediction...maybe. I don't know how to articulate it exactly. Maya's father divorced her mother and there's a implication that whatever child support Kermit pays, if any, is only just enough to help Katy provide a home for their daughter. So we're almost certainly not going to see a reconciliation between her parents--and that's for the better, from a story-telling standpoint.
The writers said that they're going for real. In note of that, I guess I want to see Maya WANT to forgive her father, maybe even know that she SHOULD, but not able to do so completely.
I doubt we'll be this lucky, but if the writers somehow manage to create an environment similar to "As Told By Ginger," I will be VERY happy.
Maya will not forgive her dad. In truth I can't imagine any reason where she should. If he could start another family, he could have at least come back to be in Maya's life, even if it was just via phone if he lives far away. I could understand perhaps not wanting to be involved with Katy, but if you are at some point ready to be a parent, you should be a parent to ALL of your kids, and the writers have told us Maya has half-siblings. Maya should tell him to hit the road and not let the door hit him in the ass on the way out.
It'd be interesting to see what happens and what role the grown-ups play. And I mean other than Cory.
Topanga apparently forgave Jedidiah for his infidelity in Season 7. Shawn grappled with his parents throughout the show, eventually finding peace after many years. Harley Keiner, I do not believe ever forgave his father, which I think would be most interesting, and least likely, to see mentioned in this episode.
I'm not sure Topanga actually forgave Jed. I think she just stopped being hostile to him. It would be nice to hear from Topanga in this episode regarding that in a talk with Maya. Clearly they have different reasons for their daddy issues, but a discussion on the subject would be good to see.
And Cryptid, yes on this subject I have strong opinions. I have 2 grown sons myself and could never understand someone that would desert one family but then be okay having another. While I would think anyone deserting their kids is shit to begin with, I could partially understand it if they never wanted to be a parent to begin with. But with Kermit leaving Katy and Maya but starting another family and then not seeing Maya for 9 years (according to the writers) I can't see any reason to forgive that. None. /Rant
I agree with 1960. No way in hell Maya should forgive her father. It's one thing if he ran off unable to handle the pressures of family and moved away to be by himself. But he had more kids, kids he stuck around for. That's what's unforgivable. They have a gold mine of material here if they use it right. What was so wrong w/ Maya that he left and didn't make contact? I could go on here, but I'll stop.
Maya's situation is very unique for children's programming. We haven't seen a kid truly struggle with her family in a long time. Virtually every other Disney show has at least one set of parents divorced. And in every other show, the characters don't seem to be too upset that their parents are divorced.
If I remember correctly, the Suite Life of Zack and Cody did a Christmas episode where one of the kids thought his parents would get back together and they did another where he tried to stop his mom from getting engaged. Any other time, it's played for laughs.
ANYWAY, so it's been years since we've seen divorce handled seriously. Because I'm a sadistic jerk, I want Maya to be willing to forgive her father BUT her father lets her down again. I want us to hate this guy. I want this to be up there with Fresh Prince of Bel Air feels.
I also don't really care what the other kids have to forgive. I'm just glad it's not freaking Texas.
Thanks for asking Cryptid, actually I am the anonymous who posted the comment the blog spot was just being difficult and not letting me sign in. I think it's going to be a monumental episode for sure. I really can't say what I hope will happen because we really know very very little about Maya's dad. Maybe I'm just not recalling but do we KNOW that they haven't been in touch at all? When did he meet this new family? What's this guys story?
Don't get me wrong, I say abandoning a child is far and away one of the worst things a person could ever do. I am typically a very non-judgemental person but to me, I have absolutely no respect for those people, and honestly I don't think Shawn's mother deserved to be forgiven either. There is just no excuse for the damage that is done. He's incredibly lucky for the support system Maya has had because she could have gone down a very different path.
However, my mom used to say " Resentment is a poison you drink, and wait for the other person to die". So I wouldn't be opposed to a message about forgiving the people who have done you wrong if only for your own well being. Hate is like weeds in a garden, it just sucks all the life out of every other emotion.
But then, there are also people who we forgive again and again despite the fact that they are only destructive forces in our lives. It's important to note the difference in a person who is really sorry and looking to change, and a person who is just going to continue to pull the same shit they always have. I really can't say what I think Maya should do until we see exactly what kind of guy Mr. Clutterbucket is now vs the guy he was when he left.
On another note I just saw a very interesting tweet from the writers saying that they all cried after editing Bay Window. They said even after seeing the taping and knowing what was coming, the final cut had them all break down. I didn't even know this was supposed to be an emotional episode? I thought it was just gonna show us the origins of Maya and Rileys friendship- a lighthearted episode before the big finale. Anyone have any thoughts on what could be so upsetting in this episode?
Good Looking, I saw some things out there that related to the future Riley and Maya, and that is what they might have been referring to. I don't want to get into anything that might be considered a spoiler without getting the ok from Christian. He has asked in the past we not do that here.
I have no idea what to expect for Bay Window. All I know is we're getting flashbacks to first grade and flash-forwards that are actually quite a way down the line.
The last time this franchise did flashforwards, it was "Seven the Hard Way," and...who even thought that anyway? Anybody at all? Eric? Or was it just a big "What If"?
Yeah, that's probably true 1960. If nothing else, his declaration of Jack working for the bad guys is a little too on-the-nose and matter-of-fact.
This is not related to anything at all, but I would love to see Jack reunite with Shawn. And get eaten alive by Topanga when his company clashes with her law firm.
Cryptid, what was even worse is that it was his imagination that made him "Plays With Squirrels". How sick do you have to be to imagine that as your own future?
Assuming it WAS his imagination and not just a horrible What If.
Now we assume that Eric Plays-With-Squirrels was telling the truth about marrying a moose. And like he said, nothing else seemed important. Not friends. Not Amy and Alan. Not even Feeny.
As it happens, when I first heard about "Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels" and read Christian's....thoughts on the subject, I actually had an idea that maybe Eric has a job as an actor. "Mr. Squirrels" is a nuttier Mr. Rogers-like figure that gives life lessons and tells funny stories. The idea is ridiculous, I know, but I thought it was funny.
A thought occurs to me concerning "Forgiveness Project." What if Riley tries to initiate some sort of reconciliation between Maya and Clutterbucket and it blows up in her face? Riley certainly has a tendency to be a bit of a nosy, do-gooder and for one of her schemes to actually fail, I think would be a nice change of pace.
I agree, because in 7 seasons of BMW, only once did a scheme of Cory and/or Shawn's go off without a hitch. Only when Shawn got Alan and Amy to fight at Chubbies in order to get Cory and Topanga back together did a scheme succeed without repercussions. Every other time they did something, it either outright failed or it succeeded but they got caught and there were consequences. Too many things Riley and her friends do work perfectly even though they have no right to (example: Master Plan). They have "Disneyed" it up in that regard too much for my tastes. It actually would serve to teach her and her friends some life lessons to fail or be punished even if some of this stuff succeeds.
Interesting thought, Cryptid. I was thinking of I Am Farkle, ostensibly an Autism diagnosis episode, that gave us Farkle with the presumptive expectations of a genius, then Farkle with the possible presumptive limitations of a developmental disorder, then not, then Smackle does, and Farkle and Smackle might or might not be an item, while Cory intermittently and forcefully denounces labels. (I actually really, really liked the episode, but it was very busy.)
If I had to guess, Forgiveness will tend toward that level of complexity and away from the clean and straightforward Rah Rah. I think it is going to give us something more than Kermit returns and Maya forgives him.
You both raise good points. Now about the "schemes." Cory and Shawn failed a lot, due in part to neither one of them being particularly clever. "On the Air," where Cory and Shawn start a pirate radio station is probably the best example of this, though there were plenty of others.
Riley's more well-behaved, and having Topanga for a mother probably canceled out any scheming genes. Sure there was "Master Plan," which kind of went of the rails. "Smackle" is a pretty good example of Cory-and-Shawn hijinks from Riley and Maya, but since there was a subversion in that Smackle wound up becoming their friend, rather than embracing shallowness, it is different. A bit "Disneyed" too, but not really that bad--the friendship comes, in part, when Smackle realizes that Riley is genuinely nice.
Then there's "Tell Tale Tot" which...well, the puppet is annoying, but that has more to do with being a puppet. Funny manifestations of shoulder angels have a long history, dating back to at least the early Mickey Mouse cartoons, but it might be a little too silly here. It's certainly a Cory-and-Shawn scheme for the girls: sneaking out to a party. Uncle Josh or no Uncle Josh, the set-up itself is fine. But Cory and Shawn would have gotten caught, either by trying to sneak back in or because they left something obvious about their being there in plain sight.
It's stuff like this that makes me wonder what we would have gotten, had they decided to keep Elliot Matthews around. I have a feeling he wouldn't have been so lucky in his schemes. Or, if Riley had a big brother who, to quote the early descriptions "uses her as his favorite wrestling dummy," maybe she would lose marginally more often.
Milestones I absolutely believe your last paragraph is correct. I'm sure we will learn something about Kermit and why he did what he did, and I am 100% sure Maya will not forgive him.
But the writers said that in all that there will be a lesson that Shawn learns, and I'm thinking it has nothing to do with his relationship with Katy and Maya. I think he will learn something that will apply to how he feels about Virna. As we now know she wasn't his biological mom, and even though she said she loved him, I might be convinced that she isn't a child abandoning witch that many people think she is. After all she devoted her life to raising him as her own. It is possible that her issues with Chet were too much for her to overcome and she saw leaving him with his real dad was best for all involved. This entire paragraph may have been a little off-topic. If so, sorry.
I don't think we'll see Shawn here though. I think his next appearance is "Money"
Cryptid - in regards to the Tot - the girls actually got away clean with that scheme. Sure Josh and Auggie knew what they had done, but no one ratted them out. If not for the untimely appearance of Maya's spud buddy, there would have been no consequences from that. That was my point. Their stuff doesn't fail and they never get punished because they get caught. Too "Disney". If not for that confession, just like the one in "Semi-Formal", Riley is Teflon, everything slides off her.
I don't see "Smackle" as hijinks though. She asked them for help, and they helped her. Unless you are saying that it was Smackle herself running the scam, which I can agree with. But in the end, Smackle didn't get anything she wouldn't have already gotten (she was sure to win the debate), unless you count the friendship of Riley/Maya/Lucas as consequences of her act.
What exactly do you mean by the confession in "Semi-formal"? As I recall, Cory and Topanga basically said "Riley, you can't hide from this. You're going to the dance, whether you want to or not."
Yes but Riley told them she made up a story to tell Charlie, her parents didn't know. She confessed to them. Granted the "punishment" was a good lesson, but if she had just not said anything, she probably could have made an excuse not to go to the dance and her parents wouldn't have been any wiser as to the real reason.
Fair point. Had Riley kept her mouth shut, she probably would have gotten away with it. But Riley's a terrible liar, which makes me wonder why her parents didn't find out what had happened twelve seconds into "Tell Tale Tot."
Or maybe Riley would have tried to pull a scheme of sorts to make her parents go out on a date so she could babysit Auggie and then turn the lie into "not a lie."
Really though, most of Riley's schemes have a sense of...do-gooder to them. The only really /bad/ scheme episode was "Demolition" in that...well, billionaire ex machina is billionaire ex machina. I'd have preferred just Angry Mother Topanga and Remorseful Riley.
We keep using the word "scheme." I do not think it means what we think it means.
Hey guys, just found out about the Writers' most recent tweet with respect to "Forgiveness."
Quote: "Remember when Cory Matthews went to Pittsburgh and asked Topanga's father, "What's the matter with THIS woman?" Nov. 6: Maya's father. GMW." Unquote.
Now this may be interesting indeed. While Topanga's angst, rejecting the notion of romance entirely because of her divorcing parents, was head-shaking at best and hair-ripping-out-bad at worst, I actually liked the conflict between Jed and Rhiannon Lawrence.
We may be in for a very interesting episode indeed. I better add tissues to the shopping list.
I saw that tweet this morning right after it was posted and the one this I thought was this: Please tell me that someone (Cory, Topanga, Riley) isn't going to try to reconcile Kermit and Katy after all the shit they went through to set Katy up with Shawn. I had no thoughts at all about that happening before they wrote that. Maybe I'm overthinking this, but that tweet sent all the wrong signals to me.
Isn't the point of Cory's little adventure to Pittsburgh to reunite Jed and Rhianon the fact that it blew up in his face so badly?
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a confrontation between Clutterbucket and Hart. Kermit has not seen or attempted to contact Maya personally in nine years. If the writers do this right, we may have the best episode of the series yet.
Yes the point of the trip was reconciliation, but the point of this episode is supposed to be forgiveness. I have no problem with the latter, but that tweet made it seem like they would be doing the former, and that is contrary to everything the Matthews have tried to do for Shawn and Katy. I don't think the point of Cory's trip to Pittsburgh was that his try failed, because going in no one had any idea what Jed had done and that his trip was doomed before he left Philly.
That's true, 1960. Very true. Topanga's parents were never going to reconcile.
I don't think they're going for reconciliation here though; Katy's speech to Shawn in "Hurricane" about declaring in front of everyone, in front of her family and friends, in front of God, to be faithful to Kermit forever seems to have put any chance of that away forever.
Oh *redacted*! I had a feeling this might happen! Milestones hasn't gotten that far in the series. He's still working on Season One.
*Redacted*! *Censored*! *Where did Cryptid456 learn that word?*!
Uh...the last few posts were all a dream, Milestones. In fact, you're dreaming right now. And your favorite sports team is going to win all their games this season.
Sorry Milestones, sometimes I forget that not everyone is as knowledgeable about BMW as some of the rest of us are. I'm sure that Cryptid and I didn't mean to spoil that for you, but what we were posting seemed germane to the conversation we were having about the upcoming episode.
And by the time you get there, you will have forgotten everything we wrote here. An we didn't actually give away the real spoiler.
It's quite alright guys, just watching GMW is giant spoiler for BMW anyway. Besides which, the older I get the more adept I have become an de-remembering things.
I usually scroll past detailed BMW comments, but I'm very curious about Forgiveness.
Actually 1960, I'm more concerned about the Shawn spoilers--scroll back up a ways--than the Topanga spoilers. And Milestones is my friend; I'd never spoil anything on purpose.
The writers told us that in their tweets. You'll have to take my word for it right now as I'm watching the World Series and do not feel like finding it and getting the link. Sorry/
Sorry to whoever got the lesser person, I picked option 2. Really never watched that show, only thing of quality on Nikelodeon in the 2000s was Avatar.
The "Sludge" synopsis seems a little different than we had heard. Instead of a sexist remark, it appears that Farkle and Lucas won't let the girls participate in a science experiment. Much less edgy than previous spoilers had led us to believe.
I'm not sure how to feel--"Sludge" sounds very Author Filibuster, in the vein of "New Teacher" and "Creativity." It doesn't really help matters that neither Riley nor Maya have shown any interest in science whatsoever yet. That could take away from the message somewhat.
"Belief" sounds potentially Filibuster" and is actually pre-Yearbook in continuity--Farkle has his turtlenecks. I'm torn...Disney said flat-out that the episode made their company better.
Given Disney today, and knowing the stark differences that have developed compared to what Uncle Walt did when he was running the show, I'm not sure how I feel about that.
But "Forgiveness" looks phenomenal. And a good B-plot with Auggie and Riley; it's been a long time since those two interacted meaningfully and "Girl Meets Brother" was fantastic.
Does your Disney Channel air previews of upcoming GMW eps? I have only ever seen generic spots on ours. That is in contrast to our Family Channel, which had the broadcast rights before Sept 1. Then, I wondered if an episode might just be the preview with bonus footage. Curiosity about that, and amusement over the synchronized shovel flipping, is what led me to watch Pluto.
(I have actually "seen" all the Disney shows, but never watched them. I usually have the TV on, just for background visuals while I listen to music. Last May, with Parliament a couple of months from being dissolved and political attack ads on the rise, the Family Channel was safe place to park my TV. That completes the uninteresting tale of how a 57-year-old single guy stumbled into GMW.)
Usually Disney starts airing previews and spots a week before the episode airs. With Texas being a 3 day affair, they started 3 weeks early as Disney was pushing it big. Previews are usually 30 second to 1 minute spots. Disney does release a few longer promos on YouTube from time to time, but not for every episode.
Yeah, and usually those previews are essentially "Show up until theme song."
And I totally understand where Milestones is coming from with Family Channel or Disney being a haven from...well, the rest of television, truth be told.
You think politics are bad in Canada? That's nothing compared to what we have in the States. And then there's actual programming. It was well into high school before I enjoyed watching PG-13 content on a regular basis. Disney has changed a lot over the years, not always for the better--case in point, cartoons are now rare--but it remains relatively clean. Of course, "clean" doesn't necessarily mean good. The bland "Bunk'd" actually got a negative review from "Plugged In!" (A review site that heretofore had generally praised Disney shows).
I just watched a few more episodes of BMW, and you never have to worry about spoiling anything for me. I learned that Topanga has an older sister and was attracted to Eric before she had any interest in Cory. That must have come in conversation here, but I had completely forgotten.
Yeah, I have seen American political ads too. Things is the Conservatives, who had the deepest pockets, ran their campaign as if they had taken the Karl Rove playbook and swallowed it whole (they governed that way, too). So the differences weren’t always as great as you might imagine.
I also get what you mean about the rest of TV. Mostly what I watch is American anyway, but broadcasters here have been able to get away with more going back as far as I can remember. When I was 12, we had a primetime TV show whose opening credits featured a naked lady walking into the ocean (which I thought was awesome). When it was syndicated in the U.S., it had a whole different beginning.
I thought the Liberals won big this year in Canada, did they not?
Just the other day, I read an editorial in my local paper that summarized the political parties in Canada as being not quite as polarized in themselves as the ones in America, the previous head of state not withstanding. But then, I take editorials with a grain of salt, especially as I cannot even remember the journalist's name much less the names of the candidates.
Yes they did, I was thinking past tense there. I also agree there is less polarization in general, the but the Conservative hopes I think were pinned on energizing their supporters and the remaining vote being split. It looked like that might work until very late in the game. Small technical detail, the Queen is actually our head of state. Anyway, GMWR probably isn't the spot for the vagaries of Canadian politics.
Wow after reading the synopsis and seeing the pictures I'm sure that forgiveness will be stellar. It says a lot that Maya is going to begin the episode with the intention of writing to Kermit to forgive him. I was concerned we'd do a whole episode of people pushing her to forgive him and she's stubborn but eventually decides that it's the right thing to do. If she starts out trying to forgive him that leaves a LOT more room for new story. Maya looks so emotional talking to him in the pictures and Katy looks about ready to light him on fire. I hope the writers don't dissapoint
I agree, Good Looking Detective...I'm just going to call you GLD from now on. It's too long to type otherwise. "Forgiveness" looks phenomenal...though I do wish it wasn't a classroom assignment. It really doesn't have to be. And Auggie apparently either loses or breaks something Riley values...judging from the promo pics, it looks like a beloved stuffed animal.
But Cryptid if it wasn't a classroom assignment, there would be no need for the B story with Riley and Auggie. While I could live with more of Maya/Kermit/Katy, they may be trying to get the message of forgiveness over while showing 2 stories that likely will have different outcomes, and are possibly starting out differently (Maya thinking of trying to forgive, Riley maybe not).
Actually I prefer just Detective @Cryptid, Sounds official. And I don't have a problem with this being a classroom assignment so long as it was not assigned specifically to push Maya into contacting her dad. This has to be 100% her decision. In fact, I'd like to see Cory very concerned about this and maybe warning her that it's not a great idea. Like maybe he laid out this lesson cause he's being his usual self and trying to force his kids to make up through his daughters education but it totally backfires when Maya takes it in this direction. The outcome of her attempt to forgive him will also likely dramatically change what he thought this lesson would be.
It's actually kind of annoying that at the end of every episode they make it like "And Cory planned the whole thing". Like in rules when cory even plans all of them breaking out into chaos when he purposefully comes a few minutes late. It's in direct contradiction to the Cory we always knew whose plans always failed horribly but he learns a lesson. This is a good chance for Cory to learn a lesson. That's one of the reasons I liked truth in season 1. It takes the black and white platitude of "honesty is always the best policy" and explains why maybe that's a gray area, and Cory learns with them.
As for belief I think I'll reserve judgement for now. It could go either way for sure. However I am very supportive of Sludge if only because of Rowan. She's one of the few actresses out there (particularly at her age) that isn't simply trying to advance her acting or singing career. She wants to use her show and her fame as a platform to talk about important issues. She talks about continuing her acting career but also pursuing other careers. She's even mentioned a dream of becoming a human rights lawyer. I find the fact that she feels so passionate about feminism and gender equality extremely admirable and she's likely reaching an audience of kids that normally wouldn't hear about those issues. I see this episode as the show's way of supporting her in this so I'm sure I'll be pretty happy with this no matter what it looks like.
You guys have said lots of things, but no one has really touched on the fact that Kermit is a BABE http://girlmeetsworld.wikia.com/wiki/David_Thomas_Jenkins
"It's actually kind of annoying that at the end of every episode they make it like "And Cory planned the whole thing". Like in rules when cory even plans all of them breaking out into chaos when he purposefully comes a few minutes late. It's in direct contradiction to the Cory we always knew whose plans always failed horribly but he learns a lesson."
This. This completely Detective. And more to the point, Detective, Cory doesn't act like a teacher. The whole point of Feeny and Turner's classroom was "Here's stuff IN a textbook that you can apply TO your life." With Cory, it's more like "Here's YOUR life; let's apply it to the CLASSROOM."
I just checked the pictures again. Riley appears to be reading from a little script in a couple of the pictures with Auggie. So...yeah, Detective might be right with Cory deliberately assigning it for his kids' benefit.
Detective, thank you!! This is one of the only places where Rowan's activism isn't ripped to shreds. It's made IMDB an absolutely disgusting place to visit.
Shortly after starting to watch GMW, I had a peak at the IMDB message boards. I have only been back a few times since, each visit an error in judgement.
From what I was able to glean about her activism—and trying to glean anything about a 14-year-old girl felt really sketchy regardless of the intent—she deserves nothing but praise.
Is it homophobic to balk at calling a guy a BABE? He does photograph very well.
As it happens, I've spent the last two weeks trying to find ways to properly articulate my opinions in anticipation of "Sludge." Not to put too fine a point on it, but I want to be very clear in where I stand, without making any mistakes in expression.
And Milestones, I wouldn't worry at balking at calling a man a "babe." The term is gender neutral. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/babe?s=t
Oh, and tonight's the third GOP debate. Politics just never ends does it, Milestones?
Yeah, I'm never going to IMDB again. Those boards are abhorrent and sad. For anybody to say what they've said about Rowan shows a serious lack of character and social awareness. Now, not everyone has to agree with what Rowan is advocating for, and that's fine. Yet, I think they forget she's just a kid, and that to lay into her the way many of them has is unsettling.
As someone who recently forgave someone very dear to him (good story, more on that later), I think Cory's lesson may be geared more towards Riley from the stills. Do we know or care what Farkle/Zay/Lucas have to forgive?
Let's be honest. We're all watching for Maya. The rest of the episode's gonna feel weak no matter what. You just can't compare trying to forgive a deadbeat dad...to literally anything else they'd put on Disney.
Agreed all around. No matter how sweet the B plot is w/ Rowan & Auggie, it just can't compare to something that they've been setting up since early on in S1. This is absolutely a climax in the shows run.
I just wish we weren't going to get anything in the classroom since it really isn't needed. Let it be the anniversary of Kermit ditching Katy and Maya that spurns the decision. Or Kermit's birthday. Something that allows the choice to be based on an emotional reason, not yet another Homework Assignment That Likely Has Very Little To Do With History.
We do not need Cory and his classroom for this episode at all. We could have had Janitor Harley, but I don't think he's in this one.
Cryptid, while I hope not, this might one of those episodes that I wind up loving because of one or two scenes, and others dislike because of everything else. It certainly sounds that, at a minimum, there is going to be something I will have to shrug off. There almost always is.
It’s weird. I’m home sick today. Criterion Blu-rays for Mulholland Dr. & Kwaidan arrived in the mail. I had also recently shelled out for Diary of a Lost Girl (damn you, WOT2). What have I done with my time? Burned through the remainder of Season 1 of BMW.
"Cryptid, while I hope not, this might one of those episodes that I wind up loving because of one or two scenes, and others dislike because of everything else. It certainly sounds that, at a minimum, there is going to be something I will have to shrug off. There almost always is."
I'm going to go out on a limb and say you enjoyed "New Teacher" and "Creativity," two episodes that were decidedly mixed.
"It’s weird. I’m home sick today. Criterion Blu-rays for Mulholland Dr. & Kwaidan arrived in the mail. I had also recently shelled out for Diary of a Lost Girl (damn you, WOT2). What have I done with my time? Burned through the remainder of Season 1 of BMW."
Oh, you're finished? Finally! I've been looking forward to this all summer. I love it when I can talk a friend into taking a look at a book or tv show I like. So you finished Season One. What are your thoughts overall? Feeny? Stuart? Hippie Topanga? Favorite episode?
Cryptid, I heard a few people here, probably including you, warn not to make judgments about the series based on Season 1. I still liked it, was glad I watched it, and look forward to the rest.
Of the last group of episodes I watched, Boy Meets Girl left the strongest impression—which might just be because I recognized the footage from Cory and Topanga, but I did like it. I usually have to watch an episode at least twice for it to stick in my brain, and usually three times if I want to start making any comments about it on the record. I will certainly double back and re-watch after I finish the cycle. For now, it is easier to deal in generalities. Maybe for Season 2, I’ll keep notes.
Overall, I would say that BMW’s floor is much higher than GMW’s, which might be obvious given that it was a network TV show. But, up to this point, its ceiling is arguably lower, even just compared to Season 1 of GMW.
I grew to hate the theme music.
William Daniels is an actor I have liked going back to the 70’s when The President’s Analyst turned up on TV. It’s funny that Mr. Feeny doesn’t really seem to interact with any more, and often less, students than Cory, but he brings such authority to the role that it still seems more “real” than what we get on GMW. It’s a wonderful character.
Topanga’s presence always seems to raise the interest level of an episode. How long does she stay in that hippie mode? I have a dim memory of landing on BMW channel surfing, and it was probably wasn’t the only time that happened, and an older Topanga seemed more combative and not at all serene, and two guys, certainly Cory and Shawn (but maybe Eric?), were trying to calm her down.
Stuart is a hoot. Did they know he wasn’t coming back when they did that disappearing gag at the end I Dream of Feeny?
Yeah, New Teacher would fit. Creativity is almost the opposite effect where one scene completely lets down what had been a fairly good episode. I was thinking even of Rules, where that business at the end with Riley outside the door and Maya knowing she would be there redeemed much of what had come before (and there were also things before), though maybe not the Ava stuff.
I supposed it would be stretch to say I loved Rules. Maybe Farkle and Rileytown would serve as better examples, both of which would make my GMW short list and whose claims on my loyalty boil down to a few scenes abetted by a few exchanges within other scenes.
I know exactly what you mean about introducing other people to stuff. I have a younger friend (mid-thirties) and I got him to watch Hitchcock films and The Night of the Hunter and listen to Miles Davis and he got me to listen to and embrace music I would never, ever have run into on my own (Pyramids, Jesu, Earth, Marriages). He also hasn’t given up hope it of winning me over to black metal.
I'm not sure whether they knew they were losing Minkus when he vanished in the end of Season One. There's a kid who's essentially a Minkus Expy (Exact Copy. Basically New Character But Look, He's Just the Same) who appears a few times in Season Two. But Michael Jacobs was reportedly not happy with losing Stuart Minkus and was determined to get it right for Girl Meets World. Hence, Shamus (Seamus?) Farkle became Farkle Minkus and what would be a comic relief character became a fixture of the show--though I suspect a lot of his development may have been the actor's own self-respect.
In regards to introducing people to stuff: Once, I met a complete stranger in a Books-A-Million. He had in his hands some of the Harry Dresden Files--basically Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, though I haven't read the books enough to say more than that. They're supposed to be very good. But I introduced him to the urban fantasy series I love so much--the Monster Hunter International Series and the Grimnoir Chronicles. He read the back of Grimnoir Book One and decided to buy it. I never saw him again; I don't even remember his name. But I am still delighted I introduced him to books I love.
Milestones, glad you finished season 1 BMW. I loved it myself. Cory, Shawn and Topanga were pretty adorable 11 year olds back then. I really loved Minkus and was totally bummed out when he wasn't in season 2.
While I could answer all of your questions, I know you want to find the answers yourself by watching. The only thing I will say is that if you hated the theme music, that will not be an issue anymore. It could be another issue, but not that same one.
William Daniels acting was the rock of season 1 as the kids learned their craft. While sadly they never got better than average at least we always had his performance to look forward to.
To be fair, 1960, there were only a handful of episodes in Season One that explored the dynamics the kids could have. "Santa's Little Helper" is an excellent example here: the kids are still green, but their characters are bouncing off each other so it works. Cory was pretty ordinary early on, a class clown who was more obnoxious than he was funny.
On the other hand, one of the more notable episodes, "Teacher's Bet," while much more serious than its counterparts, has the "Wham!" scene that I'm not sure holds up in the acting department, even if its moral is excellent.
And there are scarcely words to express how much Bill Daniels brought to "Boy Meets World." Daniels refused point-blank to participate unless Feeny would be written in a semi-sympathetic light and I am very glad he did. Even if Cory didn't always respect him, there was still an acknowledgment of professional distance.
And Milestones, my friend, you are starting out on Season 2. Enjoy the ride.
Thanks, guys. Something I forgot to mention. I re-watched Pluto shortly after finishing I Dream of Feeny. Just having Season 1 under my belt made a noticeable difference in how I responded to the backyard reunion.
Pluto will mean a lot more after you finish season 5 Milestones. At that point you will have seen everything they put in that box and understand why it was important.
But that will be a ways off. Season 2 has a more mature feel to it as the kids enter John Adams High (the only grades 7-12 high school I've ever heard of) except for "Who's Afraid of Cory Wolf", which definitely feels like a season 1 episode (but I like it regardless).
Season 2 had some notable improvements over Season 1. As you've likely gathered, that was when Mr. Turner was introduced. Cory and Shawn had a new teacher with a completely different style than Feeny's. Two teachers bouncing off each other regularly allowed for a dynamic that just didn't exist before--and frankly is something that Girl Meets World desperately needs. Heck, I'd settle for Janitor Harley to be recurring; Teacher Cory needs a grown-up to talk to.
Amy and Alan had their own stories too and the dynamic between Cory and Eric shifted when they started going to the same school. Shawn got a lot more development too. On the whole, Season 2 of Boy Meets World improved in almost every way.
Sorry, I haven't seen it online yet either. They played it during the 2 PM GMW and again during the 7PM GMW. Probably play it again tonight during Invisible Sister or the GMW at 11.
Whoa, that looks pretty good. It's actually serious too. Excluding Texas, for all the other "serious" episodes this season, the promos were total jokes.
We owe it to this episode to watch it properly, on television on Friday night. Besides, even if it were up, which it isn't, I still haven't gone to the store to buy tissues yet.
Thanks so much 1960 and Cryptid you guys rock! And I wish I could watch the episodes live but I don't have access to a TV. If I could watch it live through my computer I would I wish there was a way to do that cause the episodes are getting more and more impossible to find
I can't watch episodes live either, Good Looking, as I am outside of the US and don't get DC. I know most end up on YouTube soon after they air, though.
On a totally different topic, if you live in southern California and are looking for something to do during the holiday break, Sabrina, Corey and August will be doing a play in Pasadena: http://bmwsequel.com/2015/10/26/check-out-the-official-poster-for-peter-pan-tinkerbell-a-pirates-christmas/ Peter Pan is being played by the kid that is the lead counselor on Bunk'd.
I find it somewhat ironic that Peter Pan, the Boy Who Never Grew Up, is being played by an eighteen-year-old. Kind of negates the whole point, doesn't it?
Peter Pan is often played by someone much older than the character so I don't find it too odd. What's more unusual is that he's being played by a male actor, since he is usually played by a woman.
Oh, I know how Peter Pan is traditionally played by a woman in stage adaptations--the number of times Shipping and I watched that one with Mary Martin...
Still, according to the original play, "Peter Pan and Wendy," Peter Pan is explicitly described as having "all his first teeth."
I know you guys think it's all fun and games on this blog but can we get serious here for a minute please? Don't FUCK AROUND on this one.
ReplyDeleteSir, yes sir! Drill Sergeant Sean, I will do whatever you ask me to, sir! Cadet Cryptid456 reporting for duty!
DeleteGod, I love this site. Sean, you are totally Josh and Christian is by far more like Drake.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe I'm saying this, but I disagree. Sean seems a bit more easy-going. Christian's more serious. Sean is Drake and Christian is Josh.
Delete*Points to Shipping Wars*
My brother.
For what it's WORTH I just took this rockin' Drake and Josh quiz and got this result: "You're Drake Parker! You are the cool musician. You have lots of fun and everyone loves you plus you get away with everything." I get away with EVERYTHING. I'm such a scamp! That Drake! What WON'T he pull?
DeleteNo, but, seriously, does Josh lose or gain like 100 pounds during the course of the show? Why does he sometimes appear to look fat and sometimes look skinny in these photos?
To answer your question Christian, Josh Peck lost approximately 100 pounds over the course of the show, through dieting--read, giving up pizza--and moderate exercise. He is currently staring opposite John Stamos on "Grandfathered" on Fox.
DeleteMindy Crenshaw though
Delete*Glares at the camera*
DeleteMegan.
I voted.
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity....
Hey Cryptid and Shipping Wars, you two are brothers (twins?) so which one of you would you say is the Drake and which is the Josh?
Yeah, we're twins.
DeleteI've honestly never thought about who'd be Drake and who'd be Josh and that show was in my top ten for years.
Hmmm....I think I'm more like Drake but only by a little. I don't have musical talent, don't have his success with dating...but I'm more outgoing.
Oh, absolutely. Shipping Wars is definitely Drake. I'm far more Josh-like.
DeleteThough the STEMs were never my strong suit--Shipping Wars spent high school as the manager of our baseball team; I spent my years studying theology and reading up on cryptids, as you may have gathered, and writing a 39,500 word novella. Shipping Wars hogged the video games.
Or maybe I'm more George-like, while Shipping Wars is Fred. He tends to be the idea guy. It's a long series of stories.
Don't leave us in suspense, ILoveGriffH, who's who for us?!
DeleteYou're Drake. Sean is Josh.
DeleteThanks for humorong me Shipping Wars and Cryptid. You two are kind of fascinating to me.
...and I'd label myself as a Josh.
Fascinating? How so?
DeleteObviously I meant humoring there I don't know why my phone changed it to humorong.
DeleteSpell check be spell check.
DeleteI don't know how to articulate it exactly. Twins are inherently fascinating and the journey from having no idea you two were related to finding out you are twins has been a fun one for me. Cryptid you in particular really remind me of someone I know in my own life. Plus I just like reading what you both have to say.
DeleteThat's a lovely thing to say IheartGriffH. I personally love how the board here has become a family.
DeleteWhich one of you's the evil twin? There's always an evil twin.
DeleteI'm the evil one. Screw Farkle Nation.
DeleteWELCOME TO SHIPPING WAR LAND!!
Bow to me!
As wildly unbelievable as this may be, that was our guess.
DeleteShipping Wars, I will never bow to you! I, Cryptid456, bow only to God!
DeleteAnd clean up your side of the room.
Hey Griff, I don't know if you'll see this, but I want to sincerely apologize for what happened on the Halloween post. The internet sucks sometimes, and people suck even worse, but Christian and I both hope you'll stick around in some capacity.
DeleteChristian is Drake Shawn is Josh and I'm Megan
ReplyDeleteOkay I prolly don't post here quite enough for that title but no one else called it yet so DIBS!
Josh is the funny one, so, Sean, you're Josh.
ReplyDeleteDrake is the laid back one, so, Christian, you're Drake.
Do Kenan and Kel next!
ReplyDeleteI literally have no memories of that show other than that it existed. But I'd wager Sean is Kel and Christian is Kenan.
DeleteI don't want to be either :(
DeleteWhat about the classic Odd Couple? Which one of you is Felix and which is Oscar?
DeleteI'm Oscar. I'm Oscar in, like, every pairing of me and someone else that there could possibly be.
DeleteAnd I've never seen Kenan and Kel.
DeleteOkay, what about Bulk and Skull from Power Rangers?
Deleteno icarly has to be next given that it came after drake and josh
DeleteUmm. Why?
ReplyDeleteI'm with Cryptid, by the way. Sean/Drake, Christian/Josh.
DeleteIs it weird, pathetic, or just stupid brilliant that I decided that Sean is Drake solely based on the fact that he's clearly rooting for Lucas and Maya?
ReplyDeleteActually, of the two of us, I think I'm the bigger Lucas/Maya fan. I think Sean will likely agree.
DeleteOh, look at that: Survey says... stupid brilliant.
ReplyDelete(Yes, I am replying to my own post). Also, by that same logic, I'm Josh. Huh. Well, nobody would ever mistake me for a Casanova so... I'm surprisingly okay with that.
Is Josh Peck EVER the leading Casanova character in ANY of his projects?
DeleteJosh did alright as Matt in the 2012 "Red Dawn." He lived till the end, after all.
DeleteHey guys,
ReplyDeleteFinally watched some of this show. I'm easily Drake.
It is written.
Oooh, which episode did you see?
DeleteSorry, man. The survey has spoken.
DeleteCompletely unrelated not, i know, but it's been nagging: What time zone is the timing on this thing? Is it accurate or just some weird internet thing, 'cause i can't figure out where would be 2 hours BEHIND me.
ReplyDeleteI'm seeing Pacific time, the post times are three hours behind my local time. Google lives on the west coast, so I guess that makes sense.
DeleteThank-you, ever so much.
DeleteYou're welcome, Lilah.
DeleteGuys, this is kind of off-topic. Okay, a lot off-topic, but hey, I'd like to spread the word where people will actually see it. I was going through the Texas reviews again, to check out new comments.
ReplyDeleteIt was brought to my attention the decision made for the musical accompaniment to "Texas Part 2" at the Campfire, where Lucas and Maya confront one another, is the same somber music that played at sadder scenes in the original "Boy Meets World."
The death of Chet Hunter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf496qoy-T4
Maya and Lucas at Campfire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOUBJHjaVns&app=desktop
Hey Cryptid—didn’t they use the same cue in the Farkle episode?
DeleteAlso, can you explain this Josh/Drake business? Is this a BMW thing I will understand in the fullness of time?
Hi Milestones! I didn't think you'd show up this week. It's great to hear from you.
DeleteThey probably did use the cue. Musical score is often overlooked and under-appreciated. Take "Rileytown," when Riley admits to Maya that she's being harassed. The scene had no background noise whatsoever--and when Shipping Wars and I watched it, you could hear a pin drop.
"Drake & Josh" is not connected to BMW whatsoever. It began airing on Nickelodeon in 2004, ran through till 2007, and enjoys a long stretch of reruns in syndication. Curiously, it had only fifty-seven episodes across four seasons. "Girl Meets World" will have it nearly matched at the end of two seasons.
"Drake & Josh" is essentially "The Odd Couple" for kids. A popular teenager who plays guitar in a garage band, Drake, has his life turned upside down when his mother re-marries and he winds up with a weatherman for a step-dad and a new step-brother, an extremely dorky, video game-loving, magician enthusiast named Josh.
There's really not much more to it than that. What set "Drake & Josh" apart was the fantastic chemistry between the lead actors. Seriously, they're as good comedy as kids would ever get.
If you have a spare half hour, this is one of the better episodes that shows the basic dynamic. I couldn't find the pilot, which would be a better introduction, but this is still pretty great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAjbLyWQPz4
To the "Drake & Josh" fans out there, you're welcome.
To Shipping Wars....HUG ME BROTHA!
Cryptid, my young friend, and, as I have recently learned, twin brother of Shipping Wars, also a friend, it’s great to be back. I was away on a business trip and wasn’t in a position to contribute to the Texas 2&3 discussion, having only seen the episodes once and under less than ideal circumstances.
DeleteI had a week’s worth of TV on my PVR, but the first thing I did was replay the Texas’ episodes. Then I went on this blog. GMW is the show that matters most to me, by a wide margin, even with the fall season underway. I still don’t quite know how to explain that.
Thanks for the info and the link. I will find the time.
Milestones, I really think Drake and Josh is terrible. The only redeeming feature IMO is their little sister, who tortures them for 4 seasons. Other than that there was nothing that I would watch it for. YMMV.
DeleteIt could be that I am just too old to appreciate it, but I do like other "kids" television.
1960—thanks for the heads up. I will manage my expectations.
DeleteWhat other kids’ shows do you like? How to they compare to GMW?
Regarding the Forgiveness discussion below, is it possible there is some sleight of hand with Kermit? I know you follow what the GMW writers say, whereas I really only know the title of the episode. You make a compelling case for non-forgiveness on that front. So, I was wondering if Maya might ultimately be the one that needs and gets forgiveness, from Riley. While she doesn’t fire for effect the way a bully would, her shortcomings as a best friend have been to topic of conversation in these parts. Maybe Kermit’s presence is just a MacGuffin.
Ah Milestones, my friend, I cannot begin to explain how much I think you and 1960 bring to this blog. There's a different perspective here that I think not enough of us appreciate.
Delete"Drake & Josh" is a straight-up comedy. Very rarely is there drama outside of story-of-the-week Aesop. And in truth, it isn't spectacular. What sets it apart is the chemistry of the leads. But, 1960 has a point--it is cliched and paint-by-numbers and over-the-top. Shipping Wars and I loved it, but hey, we were kids when it first started.
On the whole, I would argue that GMW is probably the most serious-minded nature of children shows currently airing, and one the better. The vast majority of shows for children are either almost entirely comedic, or over-the-top dramatic, or worse of all, obsessed with a pursuit of fame.
GMW is more grounded, for the most part, and as I'm sure you've gathered, and episodes with more over-the-top elements tend to be received far worse. "Friendship" had that horse in the school that virtually everyone hates, "1961" had a too-convenient Butterfly Effect and strained the timeline that wasn't great to begin with, "World of Terror 2" brought up haunting ghosts (as opposed to ascended souls who pop in now and then to check on loved ones) and connected GMW to shows whose mythology should be incompatible with the Feeny-verse.
Oh, and about the Forgiveness episode. It's pre-Texas in canon. So, I don't think Maya's behavior is going to be called to attention. While it's certainly annoying to see the show go back in time, so to speak, it could have been far worse--what if Cory set up the assignment as a way to get Riley to forgive Maya and Lucas for Texas antics?
Oh, I knew I forgot something.
DeleteGMW sets itself above other coming-of-age shows currently airing for one very significant reason: the actual, tangible character development of Farkle Minkus.
Over the last two years, we've seen Farkle grow from extremely neurotic, loud, "HA!" and "obsessed" with his crushes on Riley and Maya, into a more quiet, reserved, compassionate figure who is devoted to his friends, especially Riley and Maya, but now it's on a platonic level. They love each other deeply, as "Texas 3" indicates, but there doesn't appear to be romance. This may change; it may not.
But one thing I am almost positive of is that every other show on Nickelodeon or Disney would have kept Farkle in a suspended state of development to use as comic relief. Instead, GMW has let Farkle have arguably the most character development of the show, and certainly so among the boys.
Hi again, Cryptid, and thanks. I think the different frame of reference I have watching GMW is at least partly to blame for why I can’t seem to talk about the show without coughing up unasked-for bits of personal biography. With respect to Maya’s circumstance, I wouldn’t even try not to do that.
DeleteBut before that, lest I forget to mention it in the midst of a maudlin reverie, I want say I am completely with you on Farkle. The development of that character has added to GMW’s potential. That’s an excellent point about it not happening on other shows.
Anyway, I started my GMWR commenting career with the confession that, for very personal reasons, it was the Maya stuff that put a hook in me, and a harpoon might have been a more accurate metaphor. The Shawn/Maya bedroom scene in Pluto that had eyes rolling on this blog is something I more or less lived through—except that it occurred near the functional end of our relationship, after a long period of attenuation and about a decade after I stopped being her presumptive future step dad. I never got married and never had kids. But not being able to sustain a relationship with her, and later her (half-) sister, is the central tragedy of my life. (Though the memories are alarmingly degraded, junior high was pretty horrible too, so GMW has it all over me right now.)
Though not totally absent, my “Maya’s” father was highly unreliable and worked under the table to avoid child support payments. But she never stopped hoping he would show up.
Outside of the time I yelled at Fish to get off my lawn, I never get mad at GMW. Yet, I share 1960’s hostility to forgiveness. If Kermit receives it, it better be on his deathbed.
I remember your story Milestones and I found it compelling. See, you and I didn't come across each other until, what was it "Yearbook"? But I remember distinctly becoming absorbed in it.
DeleteAnyway, as I've mentioned occasionally on this beautiful blog with its fantastic commenters, I spent my last year of college writing a novel for my thesis. The basic plot structure, as I told you, focused on a group of teenagers volunteering at a hospice center for critically ill children. What I didn't mention was the story of the two main characters.
If it pleases Sean and Christian, I now give vague details about my thesis, which I am in the process of re-writing with the intent for publication.
The protagonist has his life turned upside down when his cousin, two years his junior, moves in with his family while her parents divorce. The stay is meant to be temporary, but becomes permanent when it is revealed that both parents forfeit their parental rights to their daughter.
Likewise, Cryptid, I remember you telling me about your novel/thesis. Since you bring up sick kids, and some of my word choices might have allow for a different interpretation, I want to be clear that my “Maya” is alive and well. The subject material would nevertheless be hard on me. But, since you wrote it, I would be interesting it reading it.
DeleteYeah, I came here first talking about Yearbook, though it was actually on the Semi-Formal post and my comment ran on such that I never got around to the subject episode.
So what's everyone's best predictions for the forgiveness episode? It's the episode we've all been waiting for since the show started
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be interesting. For better or worse, the writers have established Cory actually assigning a "Forgiveness Project" of sorts.
Delete*Yanks on History Minor Hat*
While there's some interesting history lessons to be derived from forgiveness--Europe's treatment of Germany with the Treaty of Versailles following World War I being a catastrophe, compared to the United States' earnest attempts to reconcile with Japan following World War II--I doubt there will be good classroom scenes.
The question remains then, what is going to happen with Maya and her father? It's been a long time since Maya's family issues were last brought up--about fifteen episodes--which actually might be better. The audience is distracted but here's something that gnaws at Maya every single day.
Will she forgive Kermit Clutterbucket?
My prediction...maybe. I don't know how to articulate it exactly. Maya's father divorced her mother and there's a implication that whatever child support Kermit pays, if any, is only just enough to help Katy provide a home for their daughter. So we're almost certainly not going to see a reconciliation between her parents--and that's for the better, from a story-telling standpoint.
The writers said that they're going for real. In note of that, I guess I want to see Maya WANT to forgive her father, maybe even know that she SHOULD, but not able to do so completely.
I doubt we'll be this lucky, but if the writers somehow manage to create an environment similar to "As Told By Ginger," I will be VERY happy.
Maya will not forgive her dad. In truth I can't imagine any reason where she should. If he could start another family, he could have at least come back to be in Maya's life, even if it was just via phone if he lives far away. I could understand perhaps not wanting to be involved with Katy, but if you are at some point ready to be a parent, you should be a parent to ALL of your kids, and the writers have told us Maya has half-siblings. Maya should tell him to hit the road and not let the door hit him in the ass on the way out.
DeleteToday I learned that 1960 does not mix words.
DeleteIt'd be interesting to see what happens and what role the grown-ups play. And I mean other than Cory.
Topanga apparently forgave Jedidiah for his infidelity in Season 7. Shawn grappled with his parents throughout the show, eventually finding peace after many years. Harley Keiner, I do not believe ever forgave his father, which I think would be most interesting, and least likely, to see mentioned in this episode.
What say you Anonymous-Who-Started-The-Comment?
Deletemince words*
DeleteI have got to stop posting comments this late at night.
I'm not sure Topanga actually forgave Jed. I think she just stopped being hostile to him. It would be nice to hear from Topanga in this episode regarding that in a talk with Maya. Clearly they have different reasons for their daddy issues, but a discussion on the subject would be good to see.
DeleteAnd Cryptid, yes on this subject I have strong opinions. I have 2 grown sons myself and could never understand someone that would desert one family but then be okay having another. While I would think anyone deserting their kids is shit to begin with, I could partially understand it if they never wanted to be a parent to begin with. But with Kermit leaving Katy and Maya but starting another family and then not seeing Maya for 9 years (according to the writers) I can't see any reason to forgive that. None. /Rant
I agree with 1960. No way in hell Maya should forgive her father. It's one thing if he ran off unable to handle the pressures of family and moved away to be by himself. But he had more kids, kids he stuck around for. That's what's unforgivable. They have a gold mine of material here if they use it right. What was so wrong w/ Maya that he left and didn't make contact? I could go on here, but I'll stop.
DeleteThis is going to be an episode and a blog conversation to remember.
DeleteMaya's situation is very unique for children's programming. We haven't seen a kid truly struggle with her family in a long time. Virtually every other Disney show has at least one set of parents divorced. And in every other show, the characters don't seem to be too upset that their parents are divorced.
DeleteIf I remember correctly, the Suite Life of Zack and Cody did a Christmas episode where one of the kids thought his parents would get back together and they did another where he tried to stop his mom from getting engaged. Any other time, it's played for laughs.
ANYWAY, so it's been years since we've seen divorce handled seriously.
Because I'm a sadistic jerk, I want Maya to be willing to forgive her father BUT her father lets her down again. I want us to hate this guy. I want this to be up there with Fresh Prince of Bel Air feels.
I also don't really care what the other kids have to forgive. I'm just glad it's not freaking Texas.
Shipping Wars, why do people even bother asking which of us is the evil twin?
DeleteThanks for asking Cryptid, actually I am the anonymous who posted the comment the blog spot was just being difficult and not letting me sign in. I think it's going to be a monumental episode for sure. I really can't say what I hope will happen because we really know very very little about Maya's dad. Maybe I'm just not recalling but do we KNOW that they haven't been in touch at all? When did he meet this new family? What's this guys story?
DeleteDon't get me wrong, I say abandoning a child is far and away one of the worst things a person could ever do. I am typically a very non-judgemental person but to me, I have absolutely no respect for those people, and honestly I don't think Shawn's mother deserved to be forgiven either. There is just no excuse for the damage that is done. He's incredibly lucky for the support system Maya has had because she could have gone down a very different path.
However, my mom used to say " Resentment is a poison you drink, and wait for the other person to die". So I wouldn't be opposed to a message about forgiving the people who have done you wrong if only for your own well being. Hate is like weeds in a garden, it just sucks all the life out of every other emotion.
But then, there are also people who we forgive again and again despite the fact that they are only destructive forces in our lives. It's important to note the difference in a person who is really sorry and looking to change, and a person who is just going to continue to pull the same shit they always have. I really can't say what I think Maya should do until we see exactly what kind of guy Mr. Clutterbucket is now vs the guy he was when he left.
On another note I just saw a very interesting tweet from the writers saying that they all cried after editing Bay Window. They said even after seeing the taping and knowing what was coming, the final cut had them all break down. I didn't even know this was supposed to be an emotional episode? I thought it was just gonna show us the origins of Maya and Rileys friendship- a lighthearted episode before the big finale. Anyone have any thoughts on what could be so upsetting in this episode?
Good Looking, I saw some things out there that related to the future Riley and Maya, and that is what they might have been referring to. I don't want to get into anything that might be considered a spoiler without getting the ok from Christian. He has asked in the past we not do that here.
DeleteI have no idea what to expect for Bay Window. All I know is we're getting flashbacks to first grade and flash-forwards that are actually quite a way down the line.
DeleteThe last time this franchise did flashforwards, it was "Seven the Hard Way," and...who even thought that anyway? Anybody at all? Eric? Or was it just a big "What If"?
I'm pretty sure the future in "Seven the Hard Way" was Eric's imagination of what would happen if they didn't solve their problems there and then.
DeleteYeah, that's probably true 1960. If nothing else, his declaration of Jack working for the bad guys is a little too on-the-nose and matter-of-fact.
DeleteThis is not related to anything at all, but I would love to see Jack reunite with Shawn. And get eaten alive by Topanga when his company clashes with her law firm.
Shipping wars could you post the link to where the spoilers are? I'd love to know more about the episode
DeleteCryptid, what was even worse is that it was his imagination that made him "Plays With Squirrels". How sick do you have to be to imagine that as your own future?
DeleteAssuming it WAS his imagination and not just a horrible What If.
DeleteNow we assume that Eric Plays-With-Squirrels was telling the truth about marrying a moose. And like he said, nothing else seemed important. Not friends. Not Amy and Alan. Not even Feeny.
As it happens, when I first heard about "Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels" and read Christian's....thoughts on the subject, I actually had an idea that maybe Eric has a job as an actor. "Mr. Squirrels" is a nuttier Mr. Rogers-like figure that gives life lessons and tells funny stories.
The idea is ridiculous, I know, but I thought it was funny.
A thought occurs to me concerning "Forgiveness Project." What if Riley tries to initiate some sort of reconciliation between Maya and Clutterbucket and it blows up in her face?
DeleteRiley certainly has a tendency to be a bit of a nosy, do-gooder and for one of her schemes to actually fail, I think would be a nice change of pace.
I agree, because in 7 seasons of BMW, only once did a scheme of Cory and/or Shawn's go off without a hitch. Only when Shawn got Alan and Amy to fight at Chubbies in order to get Cory and Topanga back together did a scheme succeed without repercussions. Every other time they did something, it either outright failed or it succeeded but they got caught and there were consequences. Too many things Riley and her friends do work perfectly even though they have no right to (example: Master Plan). They have "Disneyed" it up in that regard too much for my tastes. It actually would serve to teach her and her friends some life lessons to fail or be punished even if some of this stuff succeeds.
DeleteInteresting thought, Cryptid. I was thinking of I Am Farkle, ostensibly an Autism diagnosis episode, that gave us Farkle with the presumptive expectations of a genius, then Farkle with the possible presumptive limitations of a developmental disorder, then not, then Smackle does, and Farkle and Smackle might or might not be an item, while Cory intermittently and forcefully denounces labels. (I actually really, really liked the episode, but it was very busy.)
DeleteIf I had to guess, Forgiveness will tend toward that level of complexity and away from the clean and straightforward Rah Rah. I think it is going to give us something more than Kermit returns and Maya forgives him.
You both raise good points. Now about the "schemes." Cory and Shawn failed a lot, due in part to neither one of them being particularly clever. "On the Air," where Cory and Shawn start a pirate radio station is probably the best example of this, though there were plenty of others.
DeleteRiley's more well-behaved, and having Topanga for a mother probably canceled out any scheming genes. Sure there was "Master Plan," which kind of went of the rails. "Smackle" is a pretty good example of Cory-and-Shawn hijinks from Riley and Maya, but since there was a subversion in that Smackle wound up becoming their friend, rather than embracing shallowness, it is different. A bit "Disneyed" too, but not really that bad--the friendship comes, in part, when Smackle realizes that Riley is genuinely nice.
Then there's "Tell Tale Tot" which...well, the puppet is annoying, but that has more to do with being a puppet. Funny manifestations of shoulder angels have a long history, dating back to at least the early Mickey Mouse cartoons, but it might be a little too silly here.
It's certainly a Cory-and-Shawn scheme for the girls: sneaking out to a party. Uncle Josh or no Uncle Josh, the set-up itself is fine. But Cory and Shawn would have gotten caught, either by trying to sneak back in or because they left something obvious about their being there in plain sight.
It's stuff like this that makes me wonder what we would have gotten, had they decided to keep Elliot Matthews around. I have a feeling he wouldn't have been so lucky in his schemes. Or, if Riley had a big brother who, to quote the early descriptions "uses her as his favorite wrestling dummy," maybe she would lose marginally more often.
Milestones I absolutely believe your last paragraph is correct. I'm sure we will learn something about Kermit and why he did what he did, and I am 100% sure Maya will not forgive him.
DeleteBut the writers said that in all that there will be a lesson that Shawn learns, and I'm thinking it has nothing to do with his relationship with Katy and Maya. I think he will learn something that will apply to how he feels about Virna. As we now know she wasn't his biological mom, and even though she said she loved him, I might be convinced that she isn't a child abandoning witch that many people think she is. After all she devoted her life to raising him as her own. It is possible that her issues with Chet were too much for her to overcome and she saw leaving him with his real dad was best for all involved. This entire paragraph may have been a little off-topic. If so, sorry.
I don't think we'll see Shawn here though. I think his next appearance is "Money"
Cryptid - in regards to the Tot - the girls actually got away clean with that scheme. Sure Josh and Auggie knew what they had done, but no one ratted them out. If not for the untimely appearance of Maya's spud buddy, there would have been no consequences from that. That was my point. Their stuff doesn't fail and they never get punished because they get caught. Too "Disney". If not for that confession, just like the one in "Semi-Formal", Riley is Teflon, everything slides off her.
DeleteI don't see "Smackle" as hijinks though. She asked them for help, and they helped her. Unless you are saying that it was Smackle herself running the scam, which I can agree with. But in the end, Smackle didn't get anything she wouldn't have already gotten (she was sure to win the debate), unless you count the friendship of Riley/Maya/Lucas as consequences of her act.
What exactly do you mean by the confession in "Semi-formal"? As I recall, Cory and Topanga basically said "Riley, you can't hide from this. You're going to the dance, whether you want to or not."
DeleteYes but Riley told them she made up a story to tell Charlie, her parents didn't know. She confessed to them. Granted the "punishment" was a good lesson, but if she had just not said anything, she probably could have made an excuse not to go to the dance and her parents wouldn't have been any wiser as to the real reason.
DeleteFair point. Had Riley kept her mouth shut, she probably would have gotten away with it. But Riley's a terrible liar, which makes me wonder why her parents didn't find out what had happened twelve seconds into "Tell Tale Tot."
DeleteOr maybe Riley would have tried to pull a scheme of sorts to make her parents go out on a date so she could babysit Auggie and then turn the lie into "not a lie."
Really though, most of Riley's schemes have a sense of...do-gooder to them. The only really /bad/ scheme episode was "Demolition" in that...well, billionaire ex machina is billionaire ex machina. I'd have preferred just Angry Mother Topanga and Remorseful Riley.
We keep using the word "scheme." I do not think it means what we think it means.
Hey guys, just found out about the Writers' most recent tweet with respect to "Forgiveness."
DeleteQuote: "Remember when Cory Matthews went to Pittsburgh and asked Topanga's father, "What's the matter with THIS woman?" Nov. 6: Maya's father. GMW." Unquote.
Now this may be interesting indeed. While Topanga's angst, rejecting the notion of romance entirely because of her divorcing parents, was head-shaking at best and hair-ripping-out-bad at worst, I actually liked the conflict between Jed and Rhiannon Lawrence.
We may be in for a very interesting episode indeed. I better add tissues to the shopping list.
I saw that tweet this morning right after it was posted and the one this I thought was this: Please tell me that someone (Cory, Topanga, Riley) isn't going to try to reconcile Kermit and Katy after all the shit they went through to set Katy up with Shawn. I had no thoughts at all about that happening before they wrote that. Maybe I'm overthinking this, but that tweet sent all the wrong signals to me.
DeleteIsn't the point of Cory's little adventure to Pittsburgh to reunite Jed and Rhianon the fact that it blew up in his face so badly?
DeleteI'm keeping my fingers crossed for a confrontation between Clutterbucket and Hart. Kermit has not seen or attempted to contact Maya personally in nine years. If the writers do this right, we may have the best episode of the series yet.
Yes the point of the trip was reconciliation, but the point of this episode is supposed to be forgiveness. I have no problem with the latter, but that tweet made it seem like they would be doing the former, and that is contrary to everything the Matthews have tried to do for Shawn and Katy. I don't think the point of Cory's trip to Pittsburgh was that his try failed, because going in no one had any idea what Jed had done and that his trip was doomed before he left Philly.
DeleteThe writers are huge trolls. I'm waiting until the episode airs before I make any connections.
DeleteThat's true, 1960. Very true. Topanga's parents were never going to reconcile.
DeleteI don't think they're going for reconciliation here though; Katy's speech to Shawn in "Hurricane" about declaring in front of everyone, in front of her family and friends, in front of God, to be faithful to Kermit forever seems to have put any chance of that away forever.
Sometimes I forget to avert my eyes when you guys starting getting into BMW detail.
DeleteOh *redacted*! I had a feeling this might happen! Milestones hasn't gotten that far in the series. He's still working on Season One.
Delete*Redacted*! *Censored*! *Where did Cryptid456 learn that word?*!
Uh...the last few posts were all a dream, Milestones. In fact, you're dreaming right now. And your favorite sports team is going to win all their games this season.
Sorry Milestones, sometimes I forget that not everyone is as knowledgeable about BMW as some of the rest of us are. I'm sure that Cryptid and I didn't mean to spoil that for you, but what we were posting seemed germane to the conversation we were having about the upcoming episode.
DeleteAnd by the time you get there, you will have forgotten everything we wrote here. An we didn't actually give away the real spoiler.
It's quite alright guys, just watching GMW is giant spoiler for BMW anyway. Besides which, the older I get the more adept I have become an de-remembering things.
DeleteI usually scroll past detailed BMW comments, but I'm very curious about Forgiveness.
Actually 1960, I'm more concerned about the Shawn spoilers--scroll back up a ways--than the Topanga spoilers. And Milestones is my friend; I'd never spoil anything on purpose.
DeleteWhen did they say Kermit hasn't tried to contact maya in nine years??
DeleteThe writers told us that in their tweets. You'll have to take my word for it right now as I'm watching the World Series and do not feel like finding it and getting the link. Sorry/
DeleteSorry to whoever got the lesser person, I picked option 2. Really never watched that show, only thing of quality on Nikelodeon in the 2000s was Avatar.
ReplyDeleteHey look it's my extremely poor attempt at humor: http://nickanddisneyreviewed.blogspot.com/2015/10/leaked-script-exclusive-girl-meets.html
ReplyDeleteSo Disney released its programming highlights for November today. The synopsis for all 3 episodes as well as pictures can be found here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.disneyabcpress.com/disneychannel/shows/girl-meets-world/episodes/girl-meets-the-forgiveness-project/
http://www.disneyabcpress.com/disneychannel/shows/girl-meets-world/episodes/girl-meets-sludge/
http://www.disneyabcpress.com/disneychannel/shows/girl-meets-world/episodes/girl-meets-belief/
The "Sludge" synopsis seems a little different than we had heard. Instead of a sexist remark, it appears that Farkle and Lucas won't let the girls participate in a science experiment. Much less edgy than previous spoilers had led us to believe.
I'm not sure how to feel--"Sludge" sounds very Author Filibuster, in the vein of "New Teacher" and "Creativity."
DeleteIt doesn't really help matters that neither Riley nor Maya have shown any interest in science whatsoever yet. That could take away from the message somewhat.
"Belief" sounds potentially Filibuster" and is actually pre-Yearbook in continuity--Farkle has his turtlenecks.
I'm torn...Disney said flat-out that the episode made their company better.
Given Disney today, and knowing the stark differences that have developed compared to what Uncle Walt did when he was running the show, I'm not sure how I feel about that.
But "Forgiveness" looks phenomenal. And a good B-plot with Auggie and Riley; it's been a long time since those two interacted meaningfully and "Girl Meets Brother" was fantastic.
DeleteDoes your Disney Channel air previews of upcoming GMW eps? I have only ever seen generic spots on ours. That is in contrast to our Family Channel, which had the broadcast rights before Sept 1. Then, I wondered if an episode might just be the preview with bonus footage. Curiosity about that, and amusement over the synchronized shovel flipping, is what led me to watch Pluto.
Delete(I have actually "seen" all the Disney shows, but never watched them. I usually have the TV on, just for background visuals while I listen to music. Last May, with Parliament a couple of months from being dissolved and political attack ads on the rise, the Family Channel was safe place to park my TV. That completes the uninteresting tale of how a 57-year-old single guy stumbled into GMW.)
Usually Disney starts airing previews and spots a week before the episode airs. With Texas being a 3 day affair, they started 3 weeks early as Disney was pushing it big. Previews are usually 30 second to 1 minute spots. Disney does release a few longer promos on YouTube from time to time, but not for every episode.
DeleteYeah, and usually those previews are essentially "Show up until theme song."
DeleteAnd I totally understand where Milestones is coming from with Family Channel or Disney being a haven from...well, the rest of television, truth be told.
You think politics are bad in Canada? That's nothing compared to what we have in the States.
And then there's actual programming. It was well into high school before I enjoyed watching PG-13 content on a regular basis. Disney has changed a lot over the years, not always for the better--case in point, cartoons are now rare--but it remains relatively clean.
Of course, "clean" doesn't necessarily mean good. The bland "Bunk'd" actually got a negative review from "Plugged In!" (A review site that heretofore had generally praised Disney shows).
I just watched a few more episodes of BMW, and you never have to worry about spoiling anything for me. I learned that Topanga has an older sister and was attracted to Eric before she had any interest in Cory. That must have come in conversation here, but I had completely forgotten.
DeleteYeah, I have seen American political ads too. Things is the Conservatives, who had the deepest pockets, ran their campaign as if they had taken the Karl Rove playbook and swallowed it whole (they governed that way, too). So the differences weren’t always as great as you might imagine.
I also get what you mean about the rest of TV. Mostly what I watch is American anyway, but broadcasters here have been able to get away with more going back as far as I can remember. When I was 12, we had a primetime TV show whose opening credits featured a naked lady walking into the ocean (which I thought was awesome). When it was syndicated in the U.S., it had a whole different beginning.
I thought the Liberals won big this year in Canada, did they not?
DeleteJust the other day, I read an editorial in my local paper that summarized the political parties in Canada as being not quite as polarized in themselves as the ones in America, the previous head of state not withstanding. But then, I take editorials with a grain of salt, especially as I cannot even remember the journalist's name much less the names of the candidates.
Yes they did, I was thinking past tense there. I also agree there is less polarization in general, the but the Conservative hopes I think were pinned on energizing their supporters and the remaining vote being split. It looked like that might work until very late in the game. Small technical detail, the Queen is actually our head of state. Anyway, GMWR probably isn't the spot for the vagaries of Canadian politics.
DeleteWow after reading the synopsis and seeing the pictures I'm sure that forgiveness will be stellar. It says a lot that Maya is going to begin the episode with the intention of writing to Kermit to forgive him. I was concerned we'd do a whole episode of people pushing her to forgive him and she's stubborn but eventually decides that it's the right thing to do. If she starts out trying to forgive him that leaves a LOT more room for new story. Maya looks so emotional talking to him in the pictures and Katy looks about ready to light him on fire. I hope the writers don't dissapoint
DeleteI agree, Good Looking Detective...I'm just going to call you GLD from now on. It's too long to type otherwise.
Delete"Forgiveness" looks phenomenal...though I do wish it wasn't a classroom assignment. It really doesn't have to be. And Auggie apparently either loses or breaks something Riley values...judging from the promo pics, it looks like a beloved stuffed animal.
What are your thoughts on Sludge or Belief?
But Cryptid if it wasn't a classroom assignment, there would be no need for the B story with Riley and Auggie. While I could live with more of Maya/Kermit/Katy, they may be trying to get the message of forgiveness over while showing 2 stories that likely will have different outcomes, and are possibly starting out differently (Maya thinking of trying to forgive, Riley maybe not).
DeleteActually I prefer just Detective @Cryptid, Sounds official. And I don't have a problem with this being a classroom assignment so long as it was not assigned specifically to push Maya into contacting her dad. This has to be 100% her decision. In fact, I'd like to see Cory very concerned about this and maybe warning her that it's not a great idea. Like maybe he laid out this lesson cause he's being his usual self and trying to force his kids to make up through his daughters education but it totally backfires when Maya takes it in this direction. The outcome of her attempt to forgive him will also likely dramatically change what he thought this lesson would be.
DeleteIt's actually kind of annoying that at the end of every episode they make it like "And Cory planned the whole thing". Like in rules when cory even plans all of them breaking out into chaos when he purposefully comes a few minutes late. It's in direct contradiction to the Cory we always knew whose plans always failed horribly but he learns a lesson. This is a good chance for Cory to learn a lesson. That's one of the reasons I liked truth in season 1. It takes the black and white platitude of "honesty is always the best policy" and explains why maybe that's a gray area, and Cory learns with them.
As for belief I think I'll reserve judgement for now. It could go either way for sure. However I am very supportive of Sludge if only because of Rowan. She's one of the few actresses out there (particularly at her age) that isn't simply trying to advance her acting or singing career. She wants to use her show and her fame as a platform to talk about important issues. She talks about continuing her acting career but also pursuing other careers. She's even mentioned a dream of becoming a human rights lawyer. I find the fact that she feels so passionate about feminism and gender equality extremely admirable and she's likely reaching an audience of kids that normally wouldn't hear about those issues. I see this episode as the show's way of supporting her in this so I'm sure I'll be pretty happy with this no matter what it looks like.
You guys have said lots of things, but no one has really touched on the fact that Kermit is a BABE http://girlmeetsworld.wikia.com/wiki/David_Thomas_Jenkins
Delete"It's actually kind of annoying that at the end of every episode they make it like "And Cory planned the whole thing". Like in rules when cory even plans all of them breaking out into chaos when he purposefully comes a few minutes late. It's in direct contradiction to the Cory we always knew whose plans always failed horribly but he learns a lesson."
DeleteThis. This completely Detective. And more to the point, Detective, Cory doesn't act like a teacher. The whole point of Feeny and Turner's classroom was "Here's stuff IN a textbook that you can apply TO your life." With Cory, it's more like "Here's YOUR life; let's apply it to the CLASSROOM."
I just checked the pictures again. Riley appears to be reading from a little script in a couple of the pictures with Auggie. So...yeah, Detective might be right with Cory deliberately assigning it for his kids' benefit.
Detective, thank you!! This is one of the only places where Rowan's activism isn't ripped to shreds. It's made IMDB an absolutely disgusting place to visit.
DeleteShortly after starting to watch GMW, I had a peak at the IMDB message boards. I have only been back a few times since, each visit an error in judgement.
DeleteFrom what I was able to glean about her activism—and trying to glean anything about a 14-year-old girl felt really sketchy regardless of the intent—she deserves nothing but praise.
Is it homophobic to balk at calling a guy a BABE? He does photograph very well.
As it happens, I've spent the last two weeks trying to find ways to properly articulate my opinions in anticipation of "Sludge." Not to put too fine a point on it, but I want to be very clear in where I stand, without making any mistakes in expression.
DeleteAnd Milestones, I wouldn't worry at balking at calling a man a "babe." The term is gender neutral.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/babe?s=t
Oh, and tonight's the third GOP debate. Politics just never ends does it, Milestones?
Yeah, I'm never going to IMDB again. Those boards are abhorrent and sad. For anybody to say what they've said about Rowan shows a serious lack of character and social awareness. Now, not everyone has to agree with what Rowan is advocating for, and that's fine. Yet, I think they forget she's just a kid, and that to lay into her the way many of them has is unsettling.
DeleteCryptid, it sure doesn’t. I would like to say it’s easier to take when it’s not really happening to me. But it still kind of is.
Deletepwfan—yes, unsettling is a good for it.
Uh oh. Writer's twitter:
Delete"Cory: Someone has wronged you. Forgive them. No, truly forgive them." Where are you going with this writers...
As someone who recently forgave someone very dear to him (good story, more on that later), I think Cory's lesson may be geared more towards Riley from the stills. Do we know or care what Farkle/Zay/Lucas have to forgive?
DeleteI don't think we do Shipping Wars...not that our not caring hasn't stopped them before.
Delete...or has stopped them, I guess. I got disoriented by grammar.
DeleteLet's be honest. We're all watching for Maya. The rest of the episode's gonna feel weak no matter what. You just can't compare trying to forgive a deadbeat dad...to literally anything else they'd put on Disney.
DeleteNo argument from me.
DeleteAgreed all around. No matter how sweet the B plot is w/ Rowan & Auggie, it just can't compare to something that they've been setting up since early on in S1. This is absolutely a climax in the shows run.
DeleteI just wish we weren't going to get anything in the classroom since it really isn't needed.
DeleteLet it be the anniversary of Kermit ditching Katy and Maya that spurns the decision. Or Kermit's birthday. Something that allows the choice to be based on an emotional reason, not yet another Homework Assignment That Likely Has Very Little To Do With History.
We do not need Cory and his classroom for this episode at all. We could have had Janitor Harley, but I don't think he's in this one.
Cryptid, while I hope not, this might one of those episodes that I wind up loving because of one or two scenes, and others dislike because of everything else. It certainly sounds that, at a minimum, there is going to be something I will have to shrug off. There almost always is.
DeleteIt’s weird. I’m home sick today. Criterion Blu-rays for Mulholland Dr. & Kwaidan arrived in the mail. I had also recently shelled out for Diary of a Lost Girl (damn you, WOT2). What have I done with my time? Burned through the remainder of Season 1 of BMW.
"Cryptid, while I hope not, this might one of those episodes that I wind up loving because of one or two scenes, and others dislike because of everything else. It certainly sounds that, at a minimum, there is going to be something I will have to shrug off. There almost always is."
DeleteI'm going to go out on a limb and say you enjoyed "New Teacher" and "Creativity," two episodes that were decidedly mixed.
"It’s weird. I’m home sick today. Criterion Blu-rays for Mulholland Dr. & Kwaidan arrived in the mail. I had also recently shelled out for Diary of a Lost Girl (damn you, WOT2). What have I done with my time? Burned through the remainder of Season 1 of BMW."
Oh, you're finished? Finally! I've been looking forward to this all summer. I love it when I can talk a friend into taking a look at a book or tv show I like. So you finished Season One. What are your thoughts overall? Feeny? Stuart? Hippie Topanga? Favorite episode?
Cryptid, I heard a few people here, probably including you, warn not to make judgments about the series based on Season 1. I still liked it, was glad I watched it, and look forward to the rest.
DeleteOf the last group of episodes I watched, Boy Meets Girl left the strongest impression—which might just be because I recognized the footage from Cory and Topanga, but I did like it. I usually have to watch an episode at least twice for it to stick in my brain, and usually three times if I want to start making any comments about it on the record. I will certainly double back and re-watch after I finish the cycle. For now, it is easier to deal in generalities. Maybe for Season 2, I’ll keep notes.
Overall, I would say that BMW’s floor is much higher than GMW’s, which might be obvious given that it was a network TV show. But, up to this point, its ceiling is arguably lower, even just compared to Season 1 of GMW.
I grew to hate the theme music.
William Daniels is an actor I have liked going back to the 70’s when The President’s Analyst turned up on TV. It’s funny that Mr. Feeny doesn’t really seem to interact with any more, and often less, students than Cory, but he brings such authority to the role that it still seems more “real” than what we get on GMW. It’s a wonderful character.
Topanga’s presence always seems to raise the interest level of an episode. How long does she stay in that hippie mode? I have a dim memory of landing on BMW channel surfing, and it was probably wasn’t the only time that happened, and an older Topanga seemed more combative and not at all serene, and two guys, certainly Cory and Shawn (but maybe Eric?), were trying to calm her down.
Stuart is a hoot. Did they know he wasn’t coming back when they did that disappearing gag at the end I Dream of Feeny?
Yeah, New Teacher would fit. Creativity is almost the opposite effect where one scene completely lets down what had been a fairly good episode. I was thinking even of Rules, where that business at the end with Riley outside the door and Maya knowing she would be there redeemed much of what had come before (and there were also things before), though maybe not the Ava stuff.
I supposed it would be stretch to say I loved Rules. Maybe Farkle and Rileytown would serve as better examples, both of which would make my GMW short list and whose claims on my loyalty boil down to a few scenes abetted by a few exchanges within other scenes.
I know exactly what you mean about introducing other people to stuff. I have a younger friend (mid-thirties) and I got him to watch Hitchcock films and The Night of the Hunter and listen to Miles Davis and he got me to listen to and embrace music I would never, ever have run into on my own (Pyramids, Jesu, Earth, Marriages). He also hasn’t given up hope it of winning me over to black metal.
I love this blog.
DeleteI'm not sure whether they knew they were losing Minkus when he vanished in the end of Season One. There's a kid who's essentially a Minkus Expy (Exact Copy. Basically New Character But Look, He's Just the Same) who appears a few times in Season Two. But Michael Jacobs was reportedly not happy with losing Stuart Minkus and was determined to get it right for Girl Meets World.
Hence, Shamus (Seamus?) Farkle became Farkle Minkus and what would be a comic relief character became a fixture of the show--though I suspect a lot of his development may have been the actor's own self-respect.
In regards to introducing people to stuff:
Once, I met a complete stranger in a Books-A-Million. He had in his hands some of the Harry Dresden Files--basically Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, though I haven't read the books enough to say more than that. They're supposed to be very good. But I introduced him to the urban fantasy series I love so much--the Monster Hunter International Series and the Grimnoir Chronicles. He read the back of Grimnoir Book One and decided to buy it. I never saw him again; I don't even remember his name. But I am still delighted I introduced him to books I love.
Milestones, glad you finished season 1 BMW. I loved it myself. Cory, Shawn and Topanga were pretty adorable 11 year olds back then. I really loved Minkus and was totally bummed out when he wasn't in season 2.
DeleteWhile I could answer all of your questions, I know you want to find the answers yourself by watching. The only thing I will say is that if you hated the theme music, that will not be an issue anymore. It could be another issue, but not that same one.
William Daniels acting was the rock of season 1 as the kids learned their craft. While sadly they never got better than average at least we always had his performance to look forward to.
To be fair, 1960, there were only a handful of episodes in Season One that explored the dynamics the kids could have. "Santa's Little Helper" is an excellent example here: the kids are still green, but their characters are bouncing off each other so it works. Cory was pretty ordinary early on, a class clown who was more obnoxious than he was funny.
DeleteOn the other hand, one of the more notable episodes, "Teacher's Bet," while much more serious than its counterparts, has the "Wham!" scene that I'm not sure holds up in the acting department, even if its moral is excellent.
And there are scarcely words to express how much Bill Daniels brought to "Boy Meets World." Daniels refused point-blank to participate unless Feeny would be written in a semi-sympathetic light and I am very glad he did. Even if Cory didn't always respect him, there was still an acknowledgment of professional distance.
And Milestones, my friend, you are starting out on Season 2. Enjoy the ride.
Thanks, guys. Something I forgot to mention. I re-watched Pluto shortly after finishing I Dream of Feeny. Just having Season 1 under my belt made a noticeable difference in how I responded to the backyard reunion.
DeletePluto will mean a lot more after you finish season 5 Milestones. At that point you will have seen everything they put in that box and understand why it was important.
DeleteBut that will be a ways off. Season 2 has a more mature feel to it as the kids enter John Adams High (the only grades 7-12 high school I've ever heard of) except for "Who's Afraid of Cory Wolf", which definitely feels like a season 1 episode (but I like it regardless).
Season 2 had some notable improvements over Season 1. As you've likely gathered, that was when Mr. Turner was introduced. Cory and Shawn had a new teacher with a completely different style than Feeny's.
DeleteTwo teachers bouncing off each other regularly allowed for a dynamic that just didn't exist before--and frankly is something that Girl Meets World desperately needs. Heck, I'd settle for Janitor Harley to be recurring; Teacher Cory needs a grown-up to talk to.
Amy and Alan had their own stories too and the dynamic between Cory and Eric shifted when they started going to the same school. Shawn got a lot more development too.
On the whole, Season 2 of Boy Meets World improved in almost every way.
Saw the first 30 second promo for Forgiveness on Disney a few minutes ago. Go Katy!
DeleteHey guys,
DeleteJust checked the episode guide. Looks like "Sludge" got bumped to January for some reason.
I haven't started Season 2 yet, but will do so very shortly.
DeleteI'm trying to manage my expectations for Forgiveness. GMW seems to work best for me when I don't see it coming.
Dont leave us hanging link us to the promo @1960poster!!!!!!
DeleteJust checked Youtube. Not up yet. It's a shame, because from what 1960 described, it sounds epic.
DeleteOn the other hand, Shipping and I are watching "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" for the first time.
Sorry, I haven't seen it online yet either. They played it during the 2 PM GMW and again during the 7PM GMW. Probably play it again tonight during Invisible Sister or the GMW at 11.
DeleteKaty is my girl!
Here you go: https://instagram.com/p/9e7IhXiNQo/?taken-by=makeluck
DeleteIt isn't great quality, but I'm sure Disney will release it on YouTube by tomorrow
DeleteWhoa, that looks pretty good. It's actually serious too. Excluding Texas, for all the other "serious" episodes this season, the promos were total jokes.
DeleteYaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
DeleteThis looks fantastic. And if Topanga's in the bakery when the reunion occurs, we might get some closure on the Jedidiah front too.
This looks really, really good, so good I'm not even afraid of the classroom scenes anymore!
It's up guys.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH4fnCGcPJY
Gdi Crpytid, I thought you meant the full episode and I was so excited! But thanks for sharing the promo. :)
DeleteUh uh, Julia.
DeleteWe owe it to this episode to watch it properly, on television on Friday night. Besides, even if it were up, which it isn't, I still haven't gone to the store to buy tissues yet.
Thanks so much 1960 and Cryptid you guys rock! And I wish I could watch the episodes live but I don't have access to a TV. If I could watch it live through my computer I would I wish there was a way to do that cause the episodes are getting more and more impossible to find
DeleteI can't watch episodes live either, Good Looking, as I am outside of the US and don't get DC. I know most end up on YouTube soon after they air, though.
DeleteOn a totally different topic, if you live in southern California and are looking for something to do during the holiday break, Sabrina, Corey and August will be doing a play in Pasadena: http://bmwsequel.com/2015/10/26/check-out-the-official-poster-for-peter-pan-tinkerbell-a-pirates-christmas/ Peter Pan is being played by the kid that is the lead counselor on Bunk'd.
ReplyDeleteI find it somewhat ironic that Peter Pan, the Boy Who Never Grew Up, is being played by an eighteen-year-old. Kind of negates the whole point, doesn't it?
DeletePeter Pan is often played by someone much older than the character so I don't find it too odd. What's more unusual is that he's being played by a male actor, since he is usually played by a woman.
DeleteOh, I know how Peter Pan is traditionally played by a woman in stage adaptations--the number of times Shipping and I watched that one with Mary Martin...
DeleteStill, according to the original play, "Peter Pan and Wendy," Peter Pan is explicitly described as having "all his first teeth."