I was devastated and shocked to hear the passing of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant. I feel like there's a hole in my chest. I feel like the world is no longer whole. And to hear that his daughter was with him and perished along with him just breaks my heart further. I can only imagine what he must have been thinking in his final moments; probably about his daughter, Gianna. Kobe Bryant was not only a great basketball player, but to me he was my favorite basketball player of all time.
I got into sports in the late 90s/early 2000s. Around that time, I hadn't fully attached to the Seattle teams yet. I became a fan of the dynasties of that time. In the NFL, I cheered for the Denver Broncos. In MLB, I cheered for the Yankees. And in the NBA, I cheered for the Lakers. Of those three teams, I grew most attached to the Lakers, because the Sonics were going through a rebuilding phase, and because the Lakers back then were so good and fun to watch.
I grew attached to one player in particular, one Kobe Bryant. He was the Lakers leading scorer every year and their most exciting player. His ability to sink fadeaway jumpers was unparalleled. Even as I started growing attached to the Sonics, he was still my favorite player even though he was a rival of my favorite team. Watching him match up with Ray Allen when the Lakers and Sonics played was always a joy to watch.
Kobe's in every NBA video game I've ever owned, from NBA Hangtime as a youngster to NBA Live '09. To me, he is synonymous with NBA star; nobody could rival him in career accomplishments. He was the leader on the most well-known basketball team in the world in one of the biggest cities in the world. Hard to top that.
I didn't follow his later career too much, because after the Sonics left for Oklahoma City, I lost interest in basketball. I still cheered him on, and I'm glad he was able to get one more ring, post-Shaq. His 81-point game was incredible, something I never thought would happen in my lifetime. That game only further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever do it. To me, he will be the greatest, because he ascended during the rise and peak of the NBA. I didn't see much of Michael Jordan's career, and I've stopped watching NBA basketball during most of Lebron's career. But Kobe was there for all of it, and I don't think there will be anybody greater in my eyes.
I hate that this happened. He was gone way too soon. He was very invested in things after his playing days, and I can only imagine what great things he would've gone on to do. And his daughter, who may have had a career in basketball herself, had her life cut way too short. It breaks my heart.
The only thing we can do is grieve and move on. I have a special place in my heart for the Lakers organization, and now because of Kobe's passing, I always will. There will never be another Kobe, no one to match him in stats and accomplishments. His playing days were done, but he will still be sorely missed from this world. RIP Kobe.
Showing posts with label Dead. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dead. Show all posts
Monday, January 27, 2020
Friday, May 26, 2017
My Top 15 TV Shows Ever
I love TV. TV is one of my top forms of entertainment. You can watch it while eating, watch it before going to bed, have it on while you get stuff done around the house, etc. So naturally, I have a lot of shows that I've watched that I'd like to share my thoughts on. If they're BOLD then I've seen every episode. Here we go, my top 15 TV shows ever! (In alphabetical order)
That 70s Show - This show jumpstarted so many careers: Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, even Topher Grace. There aren't many teen sitcoms, if any, that are as relatable and funny as this one.
Breaking Bad - Oh, man. There has never been a show that's made me go "Oh damn!" or "Oh shit!" as much as this one. Never has a show made my heart pound harder or my jaw drop further. Breaking Bad is known by those who've seen it as one of the best TV shows... period... and for good reason.
Californication - I don't know what it is exactly about this show. Maybe it's David Duchovny's acting as the lead character Hank Moody. Maybe it's the tremendous writing or drama they build. Whatever it is this show is able to keep me hooked once I start watching it. I don't think this show gets enough praise for what it's done. Anyone who is a fan of Duchovny, likes writing, or enjoys dark dramadies should enjoy this.
Dexter - This is definitely in my top 5. Dexter is well-written (until the last few episodes...grr...), well-acted, and in my opinion, the most suspenseful and thrilling show I've seen. Michael C. Hall was born for Dexter, and the role written for him. If you love crime, thrillers, how the minds of serial killers work, or even cop-type shows you'll like Dexter.
Family Guy - I haven't seen every episode because it is still on the air, but Family Guy is the funniest cartoon I think I'll ever watch. I've never liked the Simpsons, but Family Guy certainly hits my funny bone. Seth McFarlane and the FG writers always know exactly where to draw the line, because they keep pushing the boundaries of dark comedy.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S - Friends may forever be my favorite sitcom. I own all 10 seasons and have seen each episode at least 5 times. Sure, there are plot holes and instances that make you cringe, but the things I learned about love and friendship from this show are more than any one person could have taught me.
Game of Thrones - I just recently got into GoT, and I got to say I'm hooked. I'm not typically into fantasy type TV shows, but this show is so well-written and acted that I'm entertained by every episode. They are only making 2 more seasons, but sometimes it's best not to draw shows out. Plus, apparently there will be some spin-off series set in the same universe.
Heroes - Very strong first few seasons, then died off at the end. Such a shame. But if you like superhero... ANYTHING... then you have to watch at least the first two seasons of Heroes. A lot of plot holes and inconsistencies, but the first few seasons you really care for the characters and the episodes were very well-written. I've never finished this show because the episodes went so off the rails the last few seasons.
How I Met Your Mother - This might be the most well-written comedy along with The Big Bang Theory. A man tells the story to his kids of how he met their mother, but it's way more than that. It's about all the twists and turns Ted and his friends Barney, Lily, Marshall, and Robin's lives take. In a lot of ways, this became the Barney Stinson show, but that's only because of the stellar writing and acting for his character. A lot of people criticize the way it concluded, but I feel that fans would have not been 100% happy with any conclusion.
LOST - Great acting, writing (the first few seasons) and great characters. So a group of people survive a plane crash on a deserted island in the Pacific, but how and why they got there, and what this island is about is enough to take up all six seasons. I feel like the show lost its sense of realism in the last 2 seasons or so, going from drama/action to science fiction. Like Heroes and Dexter, don't look for a satisfying conclusion here.
The Office - I almost advise against watching this show because it kind of makes you want to go work for a paper company. Such well-written characters (Jim, Pam, Dwight, and who could forget Michael Scott?). Some of my hardest and longest laughs have come from something I saw on this show. However, I have to agree with the majority that the show just wasn't the same when Steve Carell left.
Parks and Recreation - Like the Office, it is filmed like a documentary. Some may say it is a rip-off of The Office, but it's actually a partial spin-off. Apparently there was a plan to connect the two shows together, but that idea was scrapped. The writing for this show is great, and the characters were LITERALLY written for the actors (See what I did there? P&R fans will get it).
Star Wars the Clone Wars - Yes, a Star Wars TV show. How could I not? But what the writers are able to fit into 22, 23 minutes is incredible. The voice acting is really good as well. If only the prequel films could have had the same attention to detail as this show did.
Twin Peaks - Only two seasons made, but what a classic. I love it when any show or movie is set in the beautiful PNW. The show does stray into the sci-fi/fantasy genre a bit, which I wasn't a huge fan of. However, Kyle MacLachlan's acting is superb.
The Walking Dead - I could argue that this may be the most binge-watched show in TV history and I probably wouldn't too many opposing me. Who knew they could make a show about the zombie apocalypse so compelling? While it is based off of the comic of the same name it doesn't always follow it, leaving for some mystery as to what will happen, such as who did Negan really kill? But the characters we've followed since season 1 like Rick, Carol, Daryl, and Glen always make us cheer for them when they take out "walkers".
That 70s Show - This show jumpstarted so many careers: Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, even Topher Grace. There aren't many teen sitcoms, if any, that are as relatable and funny as this one.
Breaking Bad - Oh, man. There has never been a show that's made me go "Oh damn!" or "Oh shit!" as much as this one. Never has a show made my heart pound harder or my jaw drop further. Breaking Bad is known by those who've seen it as one of the best TV shows... period... and for good reason.
Californication - I don't know what it is exactly about this show. Maybe it's David Duchovny's acting as the lead character Hank Moody. Maybe it's the tremendous writing or drama they build. Whatever it is this show is able to keep me hooked once I start watching it. I don't think this show gets enough praise for what it's done. Anyone who is a fan of Duchovny, likes writing, or enjoys dark dramadies should enjoy this.
Dexter - This is definitely in my top 5. Dexter is well-written (until the last few episodes...grr...), well-acted, and in my opinion, the most suspenseful and thrilling show I've seen. Michael C. Hall was born for Dexter, and the role written for him. If you love crime, thrillers, how the minds of serial killers work, or even cop-type shows you'll like Dexter.
Family Guy - I haven't seen every episode because it is still on the air, but Family Guy is the funniest cartoon I think I'll ever watch. I've never liked the Simpsons, but Family Guy certainly hits my funny bone. Seth McFarlane and the FG writers always know exactly where to draw the line, because they keep pushing the boundaries of dark comedy.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S - Friends may forever be my favorite sitcom. I own all 10 seasons and have seen each episode at least 5 times. Sure, there are plot holes and instances that make you cringe, but the things I learned about love and friendship from this show are more than any one person could have taught me.
Game of Thrones - I just recently got into GoT, and I got to say I'm hooked. I'm not typically into fantasy type TV shows, but this show is so well-written and acted that I'm entertained by every episode. They are only making 2 more seasons, but sometimes it's best not to draw shows out. Plus, apparently there will be some spin-off series set in the same universe.
Heroes - Very strong first few seasons, then died off at the end. Such a shame. But if you like superhero... ANYTHING... then you have to watch at least the first two seasons of Heroes. A lot of plot holes and inconsistencies, but the first few seasons you really care for the characters and the episodes were very well-written. I've never finished this show because the episodes went so off the rails the last few seasons.
How I Met Your Mother - This might be the most well-written comedy along with The Big Bang Theory. A man tells the story to his kids of how he met their mother, but it's way more than that. It's about all the twists and turns Ted and his friends Barney, Lily, Marshall, and Robin's lives take. In a lot of ways, this became the Barney Stinson show, but that's only because of the stellar writing and acting for his character. A lot of people criticize the way it concluded, but I feel that fans would have not been 100% happy with any conclusion.
LOST - Great acting, writing (the first few seasons) and great characters. So a group of people survive a plane crash on a deserted island in the Pacific, but how and why they got there, and what this island is about is enough to take up all six seasons. I feel like the show lost its sense of realism in the last 2 seasons or so, going from drama/action to science fiction. Like Heroes and Dexter, don't look for a satisfying conclusion here.
The Office - I almost advise against watching this show because it kind of makes you want to go work for a paper company. Such well-written characters (Jim, Pam, Dwight, and who could forget Michael Scott?). Some of my hardest and longest laughs have come from something I saw on this show. However, I have to agree with the majority that the show just wasn't the same when Steve Carell left.
Parks and Recreation - Like the Office, it is filmed like a documentary. Some may say it is a rip-off of The Office, but it's actually a partial spin-off. Apparently there was a plan to connect the two shows together, but that idea was scrapped. The writing for this show is great, and the characters were LITERALLY written for the actors (See what I did there? P&R fans will get it).
Star Wars the Clone Wars - Yes, a Star Wars TV show. How could I not? But what the writers are able to fit into 22, 23 minutes is incredible. The voice acting is really good as well. If only the prequel films could have had the same attention to detail as this show did.
Twin Peaks - Only two seasons made, but what a classic. I love it when any show or movie is set in the beautiful PNW. The show does stray into the sci-fi/fantasy genre a bit, which I wasn't a huge fan of. However, Kyle MacLachlan's acting is superb.
The Walking Dead - I could argue that this may be the most binge-watched show in TV history and I probably wouldn't too many opposing me. Who knew they could make a show about the zombie apocalypse so compelling? While it is based off of the comic of the same name it doesn't always follow it, leaving for some mystery as to what will happen, such as who did Negan really kill? But the characters we've followed since season 1 like Rick, Carol, Daryl, and Glen always make us cheer for them when they take out "walkers".
Monday, April 4, 2016
Who Does Negan Kill? I Weigh the Odds
The sixth season of The Walking Dead is now over, and we are left with what is
one of the biggest cliffhangers in TV history.
WHO DID NEGAN KILL? Well, the
good news is that the list of potential victims is finite, and we can pretty
much eliminate a few names from the start.
They are (in alphabetical order): Aaron, Abraham, Carl, Daryl, Eugene,
Glenn, Maggie, Michonne, Rick, Rosita, and Sasha. I will go over each one and their chances.
Aaron
Chance: 3.5%
If Negan killed Aaron, it certainly wouldn't have much of an impact. This particular death would only further enrage fans that we waited 6 months only to see Negan killed a secondary character. Also, on Talking Dead, Scott M. Gimple talked about how the death of the character Negan kills will have a big impact on the rest of the characters. I don't see that as a possibility with Aaron. But if TWD continues its recent tradition of only killing off minor/secondary characters, then Aaron is an option.
Abraham
Chance: 25%
Abraham was my pick... BEFORE I watched the Season 6 finale. The way Negan says "Taking it like a champ" suggests a tough character, and Abraham certainly is tough. I feel the writers saved him from dying like Denise (how he did in the comics) to give him a more impactful, hero's death. But something tells me I might be wrong about that.
Carl
Chance: 0.000001%
Ok, Carl has basically NO shot of being Negan's victim. First off, Negan mentioned how if anyone did anything he'd feed Carl's eye to Rick, as if they were separate from Negan and his chosen victim. Also, if Negan did settle on Carl, I'd be shocked out of my wits if Rick didn't do something to try to stop him. I'll eat a book if Carl is the one Negan killed.
Daryl
Chance: 17.5%
Why I think it could be Daryl: His death would certainly be impactful, and he would've "taken it like a champ". Why I don't think it could be Daryl: His death would almost be too impactful. Killing off Daryl would upset way too many fans, and I don't think they're done with him yet. Also, Daryl was clearly wounded by a gunshot and one hit from Lucille would've done him in more than likely. So he's got a shot, but I'd be pretty surprised if it was indeed Daryl.
Eugene
Chance: 22%
The more I think about it the more I think it's Eugene. I think he'd "take it like a champ" despite his apparent lack of toughness; Eugene has shown he has become a lot tougher than when he first made an appearance. Also, his death would be heartbreaking and would certainly inspire Abraham, Rick, Rosita, and others to retaliate. AND... with him standing up to Abraham, giving Rick his instructions on how to make bullets, it seems like the writers set him up to die.
Glenn
Chance: 27.5%
Glenn was the one Negan killed in the comics so he's a legitimate candidate here. Although when Glenn acted out earlier Negan said that was a freebie, as if Glenn was safe. His death would certainly be impactful as Glenn has strong connections to pretty much everyone else there. The show does follow the comics a lot, but how much? Enough as to where Negan's victims are the same? Possibly.
Maggie
Chance: 0.5%
Maggie being Negan's victim has been speculated by a few but I'd be shocked if it was her. First off, she wasn't in ANY condition to take a hit from Lucille and not immediately collapse. Secondly, Negan stayed away from her in the comics (I believe) because she looked forlorn. I'd be very, VERY surprised if it was her.
Michonne
Chance: 0.05%
Michonne has very, very little shot of being Negan's victim. Why? Because her death would upset WAY too many people. First off, she's a fan favorite. Second, she is black and would only further the cause that TWD is racist and kills off all its black characters. She's a main character and while her death would be impactful (especially for Rick), it just won't be her.
Rick
Chance: 0.0000001%
Unless the writers have someone in mind to take Rick's spot as leader, it's not going to be Rick. Imagine how defeated and broken all of the group would be if it was Rick. Also, Negan wouldn't want to pick Rick and make him be seen as a martyr. Finally, the last person Negan is seen pointing his bat at before moving on to his final choice is Rick; he clearly moves on to someone else.
Rosita
Chance: 1%
Rosita's chances, like many others, are slim, because her death wouldn't be THAT impactful. Also, I think Abraham would've surrendered himself for her (See Sasha). I can't imagine it being Rosita at all. Who could kill such a beautiful girl?
Sasha
Chance: 2.5%
Sasha, like Michonne, is black and would enrage the people who think TWD is out to get its black characters. However, her death has been rumored for a while and would have perhaps enough impact, especially with Abraham. But she'd be such a dark horse, straight out of left field if she was chosen. However, I will point out this: If Negan was indeed going left to right with his "Eeney meeney miney moe" game, he more than likely went one after Rick (See Rick). The person to the right of Rick as seen in an image shortly after Negan is introduced is Sasha (See above).
So, in summary, here they are by category:
Contenders:
Abraham
Daryl
Eugene
Glenn
Longshots:
Aaron
Rosita
Sasha
Michonne
Maggie
No way in hell:
Rick
Carl
Who will it be? Perhaps TWD writers don't even know. Unfortunately, we have to wait until October to find out. The only real legitimate candidates are Abraham, Daryl, Eugene, and Glenn. Two from the first season, two from Abraham's group. October cannot get here soon enough.
Bonus: There has been a lot of speculation that perhaps Negan kills of TWO characters. This would actually make a lot of sense. Perhaps he kills one person, and then he's like "Nah, that didn't feel good enough" or someone else tries lashing out at him and pays the price. My guess would be he kills a not so impactful character (Aaron, Sasha, Rosita), and just when we're thinking "Of course they didn't kill off a major character!" Negan goes and kills Glenn, Daryl, Abraham, or Eugene. Could it be that he kills Rosita, and Abraham, still having feelings for her, tries to attack Negan in retaliation and Negan kills Abraham? I could see it.
RECAP, SPOILERS: Could I have BEEN more right?! My top two in terms of percentages (Glenn, 27.5 and Abraham, 25) were both killed off. My theory that Negan might kill off two to be more impactful was ALSO true! I thought the more impactful death would come first however, but I know this show too well. Daryl was the one that lashed out and cost Glenn his life, something he'll have to live with.
Aaron
Chance: 3.5%
If Negan killed Aaron, it certainly wouldn't have much of an impact. This particular death would only further enrage fans that we waited 6 months only to see Negan killed a secondary character. Also, on Talking Dead, Scott M. Gimple talked about how the death of the character Negan kills will have a big impact on the rest of the characters. I don't see that as a possibility with Aaron. But if TWD continues its recent tradition of only killing off minor/secondary characters, then Aaron is an option.
Abraham
Chance: 25%
Abraham was my pick... BEFORE I watched the Season 6 finale. The way Negan says "Taking it like a champ" suggests a tough character, and Abraham certainly is tough. I feel the writers saved him from dying like Denise (how he did in the comics) to give him a more impactful, hero's death. But something tells me I might be wrong about that.
Carl
Chance: 0.000001%
Ok, Carl has basically NO shot of being Negan's victim. First off, Negan mentioned how if anyone did anything he'd feed Carl's eye to Rick, as if they were separate from Negan and his chosen victim. Also, if Negan did settle on Carl, I'd be shocked out of my wits if Rick didn't do something to try to stop him. I'll eat a book if Carl is the one Negan killed.
Daryl
Chance: 17.5%
Why I think it could be Daryl: His death would certainly be impactful, and he would've "taken it like a champ". Why I don't think it could be Daryl: His death would almost be too impactful. Killing off Daryl would upset way too many fans, and I don't think they're done with him yet. Also, Daryl was clearly wounded by a gunshot and one hit from Lucille would've done him in more than likely. So he's got a shot, but I'd be pretty surprised if it was indeed Daryl.
Eugene
Chance: 22%
The more I think about it the more I think it's Eugene. I think he'd "take it like a champ" despite his apparent lack of toughness; Eugene has shown he has become a lot tougher than when he first made an appearance. Also, his death would be heartbreaking and would certainly inspire Abraham, Rick, Rosita, and others to retaliate. AND... with him standing up to Abraham, giving Rick his instructions on how to make bullets, it seems like the writers set him up to die.
Glenn
Chance: 27.5%
Glenn was the one Negan killed in the comics so he's a legitimate candidate here. Although when Glenn acted out earlier Negan said that was a freebie, as if Glenn was safe. His death would certainly be impactful as Glenn has strong connections to pretty much everyone else there. The show does follow the comics a lot, but how much? Enough as to where Negan's victims are the same? Possibly.
Maggie
Chance: 0.5%
Maggie being Negan's victim has been speculated by a few but I'd be shocked if it was her. First off, she wasn't in ANY condition to take a hit from Lucille and not immediately collapse. Secondly, Negan stayed away from her in the comics (I believe) because she looked forlorn. I'd be very, VERY surprised if it was her.
Michonne
Chance: 0.05%
Michonne has very, very little shot of being Negan's victim. Why? Because her death would upset WAY too many people. First off, she's a fan favorite. Second, she is black and would only further the cause that TWD is racist and kills off all its black characters. She's a main character and while her death would be impactful (especially for Rick), it just won't be her.
Rick
Chance: 0.0000001%
Unless the writers have someone in mind to take Rick's spot as leader, it's not going to be Rick. Imagine how defeated and broken all of the group would be if it was Rick. Also, Negan wouldn't want to pick Rick and make him be seen as a martyr. Finally, the last person Negan is seen pointing his bat at before moving on to his final choice is Rick; he clearly moves on to someone else.
Rosita
Chance: 1%
Rosita's chances, like many others, are slim, because her death wouldn't be THAT impactful. Also, I think Abraham would've surrendered himself for her (See Sasha). I can't imagine it being Rosita at all. Who could kill such a beautiful girl?
Sasha
Chance: 2.5%
Sasha, like Michonne, is black and would enrage the people who think TWD is out to get its black characters. However, her death has been rumored for a while and would have perhaps enough impact, especially with Abraham. But she'd be such a dark horse, straight out of left field if she was chosen. However, I will point out this: If Negan was indeed going left to right with his "Eeney meeney miney moe" game, he more than likely went one after Rick (See Rick). The person to the right of Rick as seen in an image shortly after Negan is introduced is Sasha (See above).
So, in summary, here they are by category:
Contenders:
Abraham
Daryl
Eugene
Glenn
Longshots:
Aaron
Rosita
Sasha
Michonne
Maggie
No way in hell:
Rick
Carl
Who will it be? Perhaps TWD writers don't even know. Unfortunately, we have to wait until October to find out. The only real legitimate candidates are Abraham, Daryl, Eugene, and Glenn. Two from the first season, two from Abraham's group. October cannot get here soon enough.
Bonus: There has been a lot of speculation that perhaps Negan kills of TWO characters. This would actually make a lot of sense. Perhaps he kills one person, and then he's like "Nah, that didn't feel good enough" or someone else tries lashing out at him and pays the price. My guess would be he kills a not so impactful character (Aaron, Sasha, Rosita), and just when we're thinking "Of course they didn't kill off a major character!" Negan goes and kills Glenn, Daryl, Abraham, or Eugene. Could it be that he kills Rosita, and Abraham, still having feelings for her, tries to attack Negan in retaliation and Negan kills Abraham? I could see it.
RECAP, SPOILERS: Could I have BEEN more right?! My top two in terms of percentages (Glenn, 27.5 and Abraham, 25) were both killed off. My theory that Negan might kill off two to be more impactful was ALSO true! I thought the more impactful death would come first however, but I know this show too well. Daryl was the one that lashed out and cost Glenn his life, something he'll have to live with.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)