*whispering* Sarah, is… alive…

Somehow, over four seasons of TV, the Pogues have managed to lose hundreds of millions in gold. All these missing treasures, and the only person smart enough to crack the codes is John Booker Routledge.

Season 5 releases August 20. Here is everything you need to remember about each season for the (hopefully) epic conclusion.

The series begins with the Royal Merchant treasure of a whole bunch of gold. The Pogues: John B Routledge, JJ Maybank, Kiara Carrera, and Pope Hayward are on the hunt. John B wants to find the treasure and unravel the mystery of what happened to his father.

John B: The Outer Banks, Paradise on Earth. It’s the sort of place where you either have two jobs or two houses. Two tribes, one island.

It won’t be easy because the absolutely insane Ward Cameron and his equally insane son, Rafe, are on the hunt too. Unfortunately for Rafe and Ward, their other family member, the Queen of the Kooks, Sarah Cameron, begins dating John B.

With the help of his new home, the Cameron residence, John B finds some clues for the treasure. Now Sarah is involved in the Pogues’ circle and helping them to find the gold. They do find it buried in a well under some crazy lady’s house.

The story just begins there. Ward and Rafe steal the gold before the Pogues could excavate all of it out. They fly the treasure out of the OBX and leave John B and the Pogues with nothing. Fricking Ward. The dude is just irritating.

Rafe: It’s me, Rafe. Your son. Ok?

Who ended up with the treasure? Ward

If it wasn’t believable enough in Season 1, Season 2 has an even wilder treasure. A giant cross made of gold that is part of Pope’s heritage.

If you couldn’t already guess it, Ward and Rafe are also very interested in the treasure. That is so irritating. Like every time something good was about to happen, it’s friggin’ Rafe.

Probably Ward: *whispering* that cross, is… alive

The Pogues find the cross, Rafe steals it, they chase him onto a boat in the ocean, drop it into the water, Rafe pulls it out, and that was that. They end up stranded on an island after failing to secure Pope’s cross.

It is also revealed this season that BIG JOHN ROUTLEDGE is back! He is… alive.

Who ended up with the treasure? Rafe

Pougelandia.

Season 3 begins with the Pogues on an island, Lost-style.

Desmond Hume: Are you him?

John Locke: Yes

The Pogues get off the island and end up exactly where the Camerons were storing the gold. It all just works out so perfectly… And yes, Ward is alive. He is alive.

The Royal Merchant gold project is eventually sidelined by the larger treasure they discover. Which is a city of gold called El Dorado. What world are these people living in?

Unfortunately for the Pogues, they were chased by Ward the entire time, and eventually he and Big John fall off a cliff. But it did end decently for the Pogues; they found El Dorado.

Who ended up with the treasure? The Pogues, but not much.

The now famous Pogues have a nice little chunk of money from El Dorado.

They didn’t hang onto the money for long. JJ ends up screwing them all over by overbidding on his childhood home, which becomes Poguelandia 2.0. Even though they are now essentially broke, the Pogues are able to build some businesses to try to stay afloat.

Jerry Maguire: We’ll stay afloat.

The Pogues are approached and hired to try to locate the Blue Crown. Part of the crew that hired them was JJ’s biological father, Chandler Groff. Also, Bijan Robinson appeared; things got wild.

JJ is actually a Kook by blood, not a Pogue as he thought. Groff being his dad makes him a Kook, but we all know no matter what, JJ is a Pogue. P4L.

The Pogues circle where they believe the Blue Crown is. But Rafe has been following them the whole time. This time something special happens; Rafe and Sarah make amends and set aside their differences because they love each other. A beautiful moment in the series that offered Rafe some real redemption.

After climbing to the top of a statue in a sandstorm, the Pogues retrieve the treasure. But the most heartbreaking moment of the series takes place soon after.

As the Pogues try to escape, JJ holds the crown. Then his insane father pulls up, stabs and kills JJ, takes the crown, and gets away… What in the BIG JOHN ROUTLEDGE is happening?

Who ended up with the treasure? Groff *punches TV*

After the death of JJ, the Pogues are trying to make things right. They want Groff to pay for what he did.

Key questions:

How many treasures did they get? 1/4

Can Rafe be trusted? He seems very untrustworthy. But I am going to give Rafe the benefit of the doubt and say yes… ok? It’s him, Rafe.

Will JJ come back to life? I am about 65% sure he will; this is OBX we are talking about here.

Sgt. Al Powell: A hunch, things he said.

Notes:

Sarah and John B are now expecting a baby. I think they should name it John B Three. That new parent dynamic should be interesting to say the least.

Without JJ, they need a new crazy guy in the group. That will be Rafe.

Ward will probably come back to life again. I expect that, but only if he whispers half his sentences again.

Season 1 to Season 5 will be a drastic change. No JJ is a major hit to the series dynamic. JJ will be dearly missed by the Pogues but also by the fans of the series. The Pogues are now fighting for something greater than a treasure; they are fighting for their friend.

P4L

I hope you enjoyed. I write about movie and TV characters…

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 12 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite movies and shows. Today, we are looking at The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel through the parallels between Miriam “Midge” Maisel and Lois Lane.

Rachel Brosnahan is a sensational actor. I was introduced to her through the 2025 Superman movie. Her performance and highly entertaining character inspired me to check out what else she has done. So here we are, her acclaimed title role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. This article is focusing on the pilot episode, it’s my first time watching the show!

Miriam “Midge” Maisel: Anyone who knows me knows, I plan!

Midge Maisel is Rachel Brosnahan, an ultra confident, no nonsense woman. She carries no shame for her lifestyle. She and her husband have a seemingly perfect life together. Joe Maisel is an aspiring comedian, Midge is a housewife/stay-at-home mother. In their free time, Midge accompanies Joe to his comedy acts and takes notes.

If one thing was clear right away, it is that Joe would get his butt kicked by Clark Kent. He is lucky that she isn't actually Lois Lane because he would be so toast.

Midge and Joe arrive to his first comedy act in the show. She says something that is reminiscent of Lois Lane:

Midge: Go. Sit. Let the master work.

That is the Lois Lane mentality. He may be the guy doing the act, but Midge sees what she is doing as just as important as what he is. Her dedication to his life is what makes her so special. Lois was also dedicated to speaking the truth and keeping Superman/Clark on track.

Lois: Fine, I won’t write that you spend your spare time trying to think up soundbites. Which are terrible, by the way.

When people talk to her, she looks on with respect because she isn’t mean, but she looks with a confidence and security in herself that shows who she is.

Joe begins his act, it is not good. I prefer Jerry Seinfeld. Or even Tim Allen making animal noises would be so much better. Those guys can do comedy!

Midge is watching on as a proud wife. She is smiling and happy for her man. She looks over at the bartender/booker of the acts that go on. Her name is Susie Myerson. She is shaking her head at his act, she clearly thinks he sucks. Seeing this causes her smile to fade into an offended look that makes something clear; Midge treats Joe’s life and his feelings like her own.

You disrespect one, you disrespect the other. It is like Superman, when Superman’s name is disrespected by a misunderstood Kryptonian message/Lex Luthor, she takes it personally and stops at nothing to make it right for him.

…

The car ride home has Midge still taking notes from his act. She observes and thinks of new ideas for him constantly. He just can’t see the vision.

Steve Jobs (Jobs): If you don't share our enthusiasm and care for the vision of this company... get out.

…

No! I ALREADY FIRED YOU!... Why are you still here?

When they arrive home, Midge waits until Joe is sleeping and then goes into the bathroom. She does this impressive self-care routine and makes sure to wipe it all off right before he wakes up in the morning. I already know that Clark Kent wouldn’t mind if Lois looked even prettier. Take Erica Durance for example, Clark sure liked her in every shade of herself.

Same for Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Even though Teri Hatcher’s version of Lois was much more relaxed and herself, it still applies. Lois was unafraid to be completely herself in front of Clark. Lois would never apologize for being herself. Different times.

Greg Hirsch (Succession): I don’t know how you did it back in the 60s. Different times. Different times indeed. Better times? Not… not for all.

When Joe finally leaves for work, Midge is glowing from her self-care that she secretly did. It sets a real difference between the two Brosnahan roles. Midge Maisel is dressed in traditional high quality fashion pieces. Lois Lane was dressed in business casual clothes and was completely letting her wardrobe reflect her personality. The photo above reflects the difference. One is very pristine, with hair styled in a meticulous way. The other is relaxed and simple.

Midge has a TV playing in the background while she is hanging out in the living room. Something catches her attention on it; Joe’s act is being performed by Bob Newhart. Of course, being the genuinely nice and understanding person she is, she assumes that Newhart stole Joe’s act. She tells him about what she just saw and then Joe reveals that it was in fact Newhart’s act that he stole.

Jerry Seinfeld: I don't wanna be a pirate!

She is not excited to learn that he stole the act. She instantly sees him in a different light. The Lois journalistic integrity holds Midge to a higher standard than to support such nonsense. You don’t steal a story, you don’t steal an act.

She suggests that he makes some original jokes.

Midge: It’s downtown. If you have underwear on you’re overdressed.

She isn’t even trying and she is funnier than him.

Back at the bar, Joe is doing his act again. But this time due to a sweater with holes mishap, Midge suggests he jokes about that. She suggests this idea with the assumption that he can make it funny.

Before he goes on, Midge sees if she can get Joe a primetime slot to do his act. Joe just waits around for everything to happen. Midge makes it happen. She does the heavy lifting. Superman does the saving, but Lois does the story, she does the part that the world sees. Midge does the part that no one sees.

He finally goes on and his act is horrible. His attempt at the holed up sweater joke was awful. It may be the worst joke I have ever heard. Even his insanely supportive wife can barely watch. She is embarrassed for him.

During the ride home, Joe is upset. He blames Midge for his awful joke. Dude, get a grip. You said it, it is not your supportive wife’s fault that you suck at comedy. Lois would not accept that disrespect. She would have him packing his bags.

Once they arrive home, Midge sits in the bathroom alone in the dark for a moment. The isolation she feels is becoming apparent, the darkness she feels when Joe doesn’t appreciate her is loud.

She walks back out into the light of her room fully dressed in her neatly pristine sleep attire. Joe is packing a bag. See, now that is what I’m talking about, SEE-YOU-LATER.

Midge: What are you doing?

Joe: I have to go. I have to leave. You. I have to leave you.

Midge: That’s my suitcase.

Joe: It is?

Midge: You going to leave me with my suitcase?

Midge listens to him spewing some crap about how this is all her fault, and how he has been cheating on her. She doesn’t cry, she is just shocked. That is the girl boss I know. That is Lois Lane. She even tells him that she never even knew he really wanted to be a comedian. She thought it was just for fun, that is how awful he is.

Joe: What the hell ever made you think I wasn’t serious?

Midge: Well, for starters, you were doing someone else’s act.

…

If you wanted to be a comedian, you should have at least written a joke.

I was just excited for him to finally leave. The Armageddon crew would have been equally excited by singing together:

AJ Frost (Armageddon): All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go.

Her father told her to not pick a weak man. That means that he would without a doubt approve of Superman. Joe vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Instead of searching for Joe, Midge pours two cups of wine. She eventually just ended up drinking the whole bottle. It had shades of this Superman scene from my Lois Lane article:

A drunken Midge heads to the comedy bar alone. Once she arrives there is no one on stage so she wanders up to see what all the hype is about. She starts talking to herself which turns into a whole comedic act, she just didn’t realize.

Midge: There are so many questions spinning around in my head. Why did he leave? Why wasn’t I enough? And why didn’t they put the stage over there against that wall instead of over here by the bathroom so you wouldn’t have to listen to every giant bowel movement that takes place in there? Oh yeah. Clear as a bell.

…

(guy walks out of the bathroom)

You feeling better now?

Her brutally honest comedy act is gold. Her act is real and unique, just like Lois Lane’s articles. Lois never gave Superman any easy answers, nor will Maisel give any dishonest acts. The crowd loves her.

Lois: That haircut should be against your vows!

She does get arrested because her act was a little rowdy at the end. But the bartender Susie Myerson bailed her out for one reason:

Susie: Your s**t was totally original.

She tells a confused Midge that her act was one of two times she has seen someone who just has it. She has the it factor. Her act was totally original whereas Joe’s act was totally unoriginal. That is what is going to make Midge a star. She is about to begin a beautiful life as a brilliant comedian.

The parallels to Lois Lane are so awesome. Both are fierce, incredibly sharp women who don’t take no for an answer. If adversity strikes, they use it as fuel to become an even better version of themselves.

Journalist or comedian, it doesn’t matter. Brosnahan is electric.

Check out my full Character Overanalyzing article on Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane:

My last three Character Overanalyzing articles:

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The 2026 Supergirl movie puts Milly Alcock in the shoes of the Girl of Steel. The last edition of Supergirl was the 2015 TV series starring Melissa Benoist. Her flawless portrayal set the standard for the character. As the new movie nears, let’s revisit the great first episode of the series to see how Benoist and Alcock are slated to differ in the best way.

The series begins with Kara Zor-El (Kara Danvers) on Krypton. You know the story of Superman and how he arrived on Earth as a baby. But right behind him was his older cousin, Kara. She arrived on Earth years after him, having barely aged during her journey through the Phantom Zone. Superman is now older than her.

She lives in his shadow. The world already has its hero: Superman.

Kara’s story picks up on Earth, she is walking the streets of National City heading to work. She is wearing the iconic black-framed glasses with modest clothes, looking very shy.

Kara: But even though I had all the same powers he did. I decided the best thing I could do was fit in. After all, Earth didn’t need another hero.

Melissa Benoist’s portrayal of the character has the characteristics that make the Man of Steel so beloved; she is gentle and friendly. Both share a kindness that radiates from their eyes. However, the trailers for the Supergirl movie indicate that Milly Alcock takes the character in a different direction. The trailers suggest a badass Kara who is very nonchalant. She doesn’t appear to have the same amount of joy. Both women are struggling to find where they belong.

Benoist’s Kara is trying to find the superhero in herself. She is living a double life as Supergirl and Kara Danvers. That means managing a demanding career while having superpowers. Lois Lane managed an elite journalism career while being an item with Superman. Kara can do it.

Alcock’s version is trying to figure out what battles she wants to fight. She seems very secure in herself, not seeking validation in others.

The first episode introduces Kara to Jimmy Olsen. He is very close to the Man of Steel. She is in awe when she meets the legendary photographer who is actually closer to her cousin than she is.

Kara: I know what I’ve read, but. What’s he like in real life?

The show has Kara separated from Superman by default. The movie has Kara separated from Superman by choice.

The show puts Kara at a distance from her cousin because of unaligned lives in different areas. In the movie, Kara appears to distance herself from Superman intentionally, which means she may still be searching for her own path. She doesn’t want to follow his exact footsteps.

Benoist’s admires Superman and wants to be more like him. She even saves a plane as her first mission, just like he did. But Alcock’s? She doesn’t see him as this otherworldly hero; she sees her cousin, a person.

Another glaring difference is in the movie trailer. Kara doesn’t quite have the same radiant happiness as Benoist’s Kara. She looks more down, which is a weird thing from a House of El member.

Eventually in the episode, Kara will take her shot at becoming a hero. She saves a plane and is introduced to the world. The same should be true for the movie. The world hasn’t been introduced to the Girl of Steel yet.

News: The passengers of flight 237 appear to have a guardian angel. When what many report to be a female flying form rescued them from certain death.

Kara is so excited to have broken free from her shell. She is finally becoming who she was meant to be. She is beaming from happiness and excitement.

The transition from the sudden high of the plane rescue to the sudden low of her sister telling her to stop is sad. But when she gets to work, it is clear that the world actually loves her. It reminds me of the interview scene between Lois and Clark in Superman (2025), where Lois treats Clark as a person responsible for his actions.

There is a brief moment in the movie trailer where Supergirl looks on with joy while in her suit. She may be finding who she is. It makes the trailer version of Kara look even more interesting. In the graphic above, you can see that exact moment of contentment in their lives. I speculate that the photo on the left is when Alcock realizes she is a hero and is happy. The right photo is when Benoist’s Kara tries on her first suits and is becoming Supergirl. One moment that could change everything. And one moment that defines the transition to being Supergirl.

The news of Kara’s first rescue breaks worldwide.

Kara: Supergirl? We can’t name her that.

Cat Grant: We didn’t.

Kara: Right, I’m sorry, it’s just, uh… I, I don’t want to minimize the importance of this, a female superhero. Shouldn’t she be called Superwoman?

The insecurity in the Supergirl name is an interesting point. The TV Kara wanted it to be the perfect name. The movie version seems to just be like “whatever.”

…

The most important thing to Kara is that the people who know who she is don’t treat her differently. She feels like her sister treats her differently. That is why it meant so much to her that the people of the city and her friend have accepted her. The movie version doesn’t seem to feel like she is treated differently because she hasn’t allowed herself to be a part of the human world yet.

There is a scene in the trailer that reminds me of my Superman Returns article.

Alcock’s Supergirl floats in space with the vast, endless black of it behind her. She is alone with the famous dog Krypto. They float high above the Earth. She hasn’t fully accepted it as home yet.

Kara: I was sent here to protect my cousin. Turns out, he didn’t need my protection. But there is a whole planet full of people who do. Earth doesn’t have just one hero anymore. Now it has me. Now it has Supergirl.

The final quote of the first episode of the series sets the stage for the kind Supergirl who is about to have over a hundred episodes of TV. Benoist delivers a performance that explored what it is like to live a life as a superhero when you are already set up to be second-best behind your cousin. It is a very heartwarming, easy-to-watch, and fun series. Her portrayal eventually becomes very secure and confident, but in the pilot, she was nowhere near that version of herself yet.

Alcock’s version lives in ruins, space, and her own world. Benoist lives in National City, in the heart of the human world.

My last three Superman articles:

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A first episode is exciting. You are either about to get hooked on a new show, or think “wow, that sucked!” These 10 episodes define what it means to introduce a story, a world, and characters.

This article contains major spoilers for the first episodes and entire shows!

10. Fringe - “Pilot”

Anna Torv stars as FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham. The pilot starts with an investigation into a plane that landed with all its passengers mysteriously melted. During her breakthrough investigation, her partner, John Scott, is infected by the toxin. He is unconscious, and his skin is translucent. His time is limited.

To save him, there is only one way to find the person responsible. Olivia enlists the help of the Peter and Walter Bishop, to build a sensory deprivation tank. It is like Stranger Things, except in Fringe. Olivia uses the tank and the new machine to link her mind to John’s to find out who is responsible. The plan works; she gets the information she needs, and saves him. The twist is she discovers that he was actually working for the guys responsible for the toxin and wasn’t the man she was falling in love with.

She was so good at her job that the FBI created a new Fringe Division for bizarre events across the globe.

Olivia: I thought you were a genius. You must have had a system?

Peter: Of course there was a system. The house was cheating. But you try and tell them that.

9. Succession - “Celebration”

The Roy family is a little nuts. They are egomaniacs who think they are the smartest people to ever walk the earth. Currently at the head of the firm is Logan Roy (Brian Cox), the loudmouthed CEO and founder of Waystar RoyCo. He has four kids: Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong), Roman Roy, Shiv Roy, and Connor Roy. In the first episode, Kendall is in line to take over for Logan, who seems to be in the perfect place to step down.

The character introduction to Kendall Roy couldn’t be stronger. His first scene takes place on his way to the office. He is blasting “An Open Letter to NYC” by the Beastie Boys. The “eldest” boy (Connor is actually the eldest) is hoping to be taking over for his dad very soon. Things don’t go as planned, and the unraveling of Kendall begins. The introduction to the Roy family that operates on greed, power, and personal agendas is a masterpiece.

Kendall Roy: Do I wanna call my dad? No, I don’t wanna call my dad. Do you wanna call your dad?

8. Mad Men - “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”

Madison Avenue, New York is glamorous, stylish, and smoke-filled from the city’s best ad men. Leading the charge is Jon Hamm’s Don Draper, the best ad man at the Sterling Cooper ad agency. The pilot establishes Don as a carefree man who seems to be freely enjoying all the women of NYC. He only cares about his job and making money.

At the end it is revealed that this man who has been with women all around NYC, actually has a picture-perfect wife and two kids in the suburbs.

The world introduced in the first episode is beautifully crafted to make advertising seem like the greatest job ever.

Don Draper: You’re born alone, and you die alone, and this world just drops a bunch of rules on top of you to make you forget those facts. But I never forget. I’m living like there’s no tomorrow, because there isn’t one.

7. The Sopranos - “Pilot”

James Gandolfini plays Tony Soprano, one of the most complex, beloved, and legendary TV characters ever.

He is a mafia boss who is deeply respected and feared within New Jersey. But at home, Tony is a father of two and a husband to his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco). He is a member of two families. His mafia family and his personal family.

Life becomes too complicated and stressful for him and he passes out from a panic attack in front of his family. His panic attack was brought on from an earlier scene where his ducks fly away and leave him. That moment represented his fear his family would someday leave him.

The new anxiety that Tony is experiencing sends him to secretly seek therapy. In the first session, he is very uncomfortable and hides behind the fake job title: “Waste Management Consultant,” to conceal his identity.

Tony: I don’t know, stress, maybe?

6. The Americans - “Pilot”

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, a real-life married couple, star as KGB spies Philip and Elizabeth Jennings. They reside just outside of Washington, D.C., in Virginia with their two kids. Their neighbor is Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich), who just so happens to be an FBI Agent.

The pilot begins the intense and complex lives of the Jennings. They are fighting for their country in meticulously crafted disguises, working a cover job, raising a family, and trying to dodge the suspicion of their neighbor.

Their marriage often comes second due to an unwavering allegiance to their cause. Rhys and Russell deliver some of the greatest performances in TV history.

Elizabeth: The mission comes first.

5. Breaking Bad - “Pilot”

The series opens with a flying pair of pants, a man in a gas mask in his underwear, and a message to his family. One of the greatest opening scenes in TV history.

Walter White: My name is Walter Hartwell White. I live at 308 Negra Arroyo Lane, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104. To all law enforcement entities, this is not an admission of guilt. I am speaking to my family now.

Bryan Cranston’s Walter White is a science teacher in New Mexico who was just diagnosed with lung cancer. At his birthday party following his diagnosis, no one knows yet, and his loud DEA Agent brother-in-law, Hank Schrader offers to take him on a ride-along. During that ride-along, Walt sees his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) climbing out a window and falling off the roof trying to get away from the DEA. He sees that Jesse is involved in the game.

The best option Walt could think of to make some money for his family was to approach Jesse about cooking together. He accepts but not without his doubts such as Walt saying “I am awake.” They begin cooking drugs together in a crappy RV in the desert.

Walter: But you know the business, and I know the chemistry. I’m thinking... maybe you and I could partner up.

4. Friday Night Lights - “Pilot”

Dillon, Texas is home to the Friday Night Lights of the Dillon Panthers high school football team. The team is led by an up-and-coming coach in Eric Taylor. Coach Taylor and his wife Tami (Connie Britton) are hoping to make Dillon a home.

Coach Taylor’s team features star players in quarterback Jason Street, running back Brian “Smash” Williams, and fullback Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch). With that squad, he has a real shot at winning a Texas State Championship.

In the game at the end of the episode, Street throws an interception and tries to tackle the defender to save it from turning into a pick-six. He takes a massive hit and does not get up. It is immediately clear that he is seriously injured. The crowd is silent; concern overtakes the loyal fans and people of Dillon.

Jason Street is paralyzed.

In steps the shy backup QB Matt Saracen. He is a significant downgrade to Street, and no one knows what to think. The pilot makes Coach Taylor’s motto very clear. He wants his players to play with clear eyes, no distractions, no doubts. Full hearts, joy for the game, respect for their teammates and coaches. And with that, they can’t lose, even in the face of tragedy.

Coach Taylor: Clear eyes, full hearts.

Team: CAN’T LOSE!

3. The Walking Dead - “Days Gone Bye”

The Walking Dead has an unforgettable first episode. Before the zombie apocalypse, two policemen and partners, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal), are on the job. The day turns sour when Rick is shot during a call and goes into a coma. This sets the stage for what is to come.

Rick wakes up, and the world has disappeared. He is forced to piece together the mystery of what just happened by wandering the halls of the hospital and seeing signs that point to what had happened while he was in a coma. Once Rick makes it out of the hospital, he eventually finds his way to his police station, where he tools up and gets moving towards the Dead City. He rides the horse down a deserted highway lined with abandoned cars in hopes of finding his family.

The world of the show gets more complex when we learn that Rick’s wife, Lori Grimes, and their son are still alive just outside of Atlanta. Lori and Shane are intimately involved now, and they believe that Rick died in the hospital.

When Rick reaches the city, he is overwhelmed by a herd of walkers. He crawls under a military tank and gets inside it. At the end of the episode, the introduction to a fan-favorite character is finally here; Glenn Rhee’s (Steven Yeun) voice appears on the radio talking to Rick:

Glenn Rhee: Hey you. Dumbass. Yeah, you in the tank. Cozy in there?

2. Game of Thrones - “Winter Is Coming”

In just one episode, Game of Thrones managed to do the impossible. It introduced a massive ensemble cast without skipping any important details. From Winterfell to The Wall, this episode builds a world that is impossible to look away from.

The opening scene begins the mysterious and terrifying world that the Night’s Watch live in. The White Walkers are introduced in the eerie scene that foreshadows “Winter Is Coming.” The episode also has Ned Stark becoming the “Hand of the King” to King Robert Baratheon. The legendary Daenerys Targaryen is now a part of the Dothraki and receives three dragon eggs at her wedding to Khal Drogo.

The episode successfully hooked viewers on characters from several different areas and houses: the Lannisters (Tyrion, Cersei, and Jaime), the Starks (Ned, Catelyn, Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Rickon, and Jon Snow), and even the exiled Targaryens (Daenerys and Viserys) across the sea. It was a masterclass in fantasy world-building.

When a young Bran Stark is pushed out of a castle window by Jaime Lannister, it is the ultimate cliffhanger hook for a perfect episode.

Ned Stark: Winter is coming.

1. Lost - “Pilot: Part 1 / Pilot: Part 2”

Oceanic Flight 815 crashes onto an island full of mystery. Lost utilizes its two-part pilot to introduce a massive ensemble cast alongside a terrifyingly isolated setting. But the island isn’t the only thing with secrets; the survivors are full of them too.

Jack Shephard, the main character, is a troubled doctor with major daddy issues. Then there is John Locke, the crafty older guy who knows too much about the wilderness. Kate Austen is hiding a dark criminal past right under everyone’s noses. And the most polarizing person to the rest of the survivors is Sawyer, a guy who doesn’t care about anyone but himself.

The survivors of the flight quickly learned that they aren’t alone. The smoke monster looms behind the tree line; the fear is endless. There is no sign of rescue, and they have to band together. From the very first scene, the chaos and mystery of the island are clear. The survivors scramble to safety around a flaming half-plane. Jack is saving lives and trying to be a leader. Sawyer is marking his territory. Kate is trying to hide her real reason for being on the flight while the marshal's life hangs in the balance. Even with all the craziness, by the end of the first episode, Jack is the clear leader of the group.

Kate: You don’t seem afraid at all. I don’t understand that.

Check out my article on the ten greatest TV finales!

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 11 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite movies and shows. Today, we are looking at Along Came Polly through the hilarious relationship of Ben Stiller’s Reuben Feffer and Jennifer Aniston’s Polly Prince.

Reuben is getting married. The bride’s name is Lisa Kramer; she is traditionally pretty. She is a very put-together woman, for now. His best man/best friend is Sandy Lyle (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the funniest character in the movie. His entrance is one of the greatest movie entrances ever.

Sandy: Reuben! The best man is in the house!

He walks in so excited, and as he reaches the dance floor, he slips and falls in 2x speed. He reached the ground so fast. The slick ground was his biggest enemy. Pairing a slick dance floor with those dress shoes with zero traction is not a good mix.

After the big day is over, Reuben and Lisa go on their honeymoon. On the honeymoon, they meet Claude (Hank Azaria), or, as I will always know him, David from Friends. Turns out Lisa liked herself some nudist. She cheats on Reuben and leaves him for Claude. Phoebe Buffay might have a problem with that. So he never went to Minsk!?

Claude: I didn’t noshing Leuban.

Reuben: My name is not “Leuban!” It is Reuben!

Reuben and Lisa are done, and he heads home a heartbroken man. At least with Ross cheating, he was “on a break”; Lisa just did Reuben dirty.

Ross Geller (Friends): WE WERE ON A BREAAAAK!

Reuben is back home. No one is waiting for him, unless you count 13 decorative bed pillows and a bunch of wedding presents.

Sandy arrives dressed like a middle-aged beach house owner, but he looks like a stoner who plays Xbox all day. He wants to help Reuben move on from Lisa.

…

Reuben and Sandy go to an art show. Just like Rachel Green, Polly Prince is waiting on people and doing so horribly. She gets everything wrong. And in true Reuben awkwardness, he knocks down a sculpture like Turtle did at Gary Busey’s showing in Entourage.

Gary Busey (Entourage): While we’re here, we’re all looking for the art within ourselves... gravity, inertia, and physics. It’s like a round robin.

Their first encounter begins, and it is so awkward, it is about as awkward as Ross suggesting he could maybe ask Rachel out while holding half an Oreo.

Polly: Reuben. You’re Reuben Feffer, right?

Reuben: Uh… yes.

If Jennifer Aniston strikes up a conversation with you, the correct answer is not “uhhhh”. Let’s not forget that Sandy is still there, and he reappears at a horrible time to drop some unfortunate news on Reuben.

Sandy: Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?

Reuben: What happened to you?

Sandy: Reuben, I’m in a situation here. We have to leave now.

Reuben: What? No, can we stay a couple more minutes?

Sandy: Dude! No! This is serious. I just sharted.

Reuben: I don’t know what that means.

Sandy: I tried to fart, and a little s**t came out. I just sharted. Alright, now let’s go.

Reuben: You’re the most disgusting person I’ve ever met in my life.

Sandy is not a great wingman. “Hey beautiful woman my friend is talking to, I just farted and pooped my pants. Want to give my friend your number?”

That is the best scene in the movie without a doubt. Philip Seymour Hoffman is awesome; it makes me laugh every time, and even reading the quote makes me laugh.

Sandy and Reuben play some hoops outside together the next day. Sandy has to be the worst athlete in movie history. He bricks every single shot. He isn’t just missing; he is building a new city with his bricks. Actually, they aren’t even bricks. He isn’t even hitting the rim; they just bash against the backboard. That’s a new level of awful.

Sandy: Let it rain!

Reuben calls Polly and hangs up when she answers. She calls right back and hears his name on his answering machine. It has shades of Swingers awkward answering machine scene. It also has shades of Monica Geller dialing into Richard Burke’s answering machine to listen to her own message.

Reuben’s love interests couldn’t be more different. Polly dresses in beanies, jeans, and loose casual clothes. Very artsy. Whereas Lisa was seen dressed in her bright white, precisely neat wedding dress. The contrast between them couldn’t be clearer.

Reuben: Would you like to go to dinner sometime?

Polly: Oh. Oh, yeah. Okay. You know, I’m not, I’m not sure.

Reuben: Okay. Really?

Barney Stinson and Joey Tribbiani would be so disappointed by his game. Wow. “Would you, uh, uh, uh, uh.” Unbelievable.

They do end up going out. The problem is where they went.

Reuben: Why? What’s wrong with letting her pick the place?

Sandy: You got irritable bowel syndrome, dude. If she chose an ethnic restaurant, you’re gonna be running to the bathroom every five seconds.

What is wrong with Sandy? I’m sure it is something. Not sure what. But I’m sure as shart that it’s something.

The date is on, and the restaurant is ethnic as shart. Reuben is toast. They are sitting on the floor like Brenda Chenowith’s house in Six Feet Under while they eat. Reuben is drenched in sweat. He looks like he just fell into the MacKenzie pool in Father of the Bride. He is dripping, but Polly is unfazed by the heat. Reuben’s stomach is growling like a wild bear. The fact that Polly hadn’t already left him is a good sign.

The Friends comparisons to awkward dates are funny. Ross is the guy who had lotion all over himself to try to get his leather pants back on. He is the guy who brightened his teeth so white that they were glowing in the dark. Reuben is Ross.

After the date, she invites him inside. His stomach now sounds like a wild jaguar. He uses her bathroom, which happens to be right next to where she is standing. He gets in there, and lets some little toots rip. That’s what a woman wants to hear on the first date: her guy is sharting in her bathroom.

He floods her bathroom, ruins her grandma’s nice white towel, and plunges her toilet with a new $200 loofah. I was wrong, Reuben may be dumber than Sandy. He has himself a leather pants moment, except instead of being covered in lotion and shrunken pants, he is covered in water and probably smells awful from his own shart.

I give credit to Polly because after that first date she wanted to go out with him again. She can see past a bad moment. The first date turns into another at an ethnic restaurant, and his parents are also there. It is about as odd a situation as Rachel, Ross, and Dr. Green having dinner.

Dr. Green: What kind of person’s allergic to lobster? I guess the kind of person that works in a library.

The next date is a dance club. Reuben wears his grandpa sneakers that are whiter than the grandma towel he got his shart on.

They dance together, but it was bad. He could use some of Ross’s dance moves from “The Routine” to make himself better. Things did not go so well, and Reuben was getting irritated by Polly dancing with another man. Before he leaves, he decides to just be honest. He tells her how he hates spicy food, has IBS, and is a complete nerd about risk management. He manages risk for a living. Polly is a risk for a living. He looks like a banker; she looks like Rachel Green.

Ricky Vaughn: I look like a banker in this.
Jake Taylor: Sorry, Rick. Those are the house rules. So, what are we going to have?
Willie Mays Hayes: What language is this?
Jake Taylor: French.
Ricky Vaughn: They got chili dogs over there?

Reuben should just be hoping that they have chili dogs in Polly’s world. He can’t keep eating ethnic food.

…

Reuben and Polly are finally making some progress as a pair. They spend the night together. Of course, Reuben is like Ross Geller and is ready to marry her.

Polly wants to destroy Lisa’s throw pillows and help Reuben rid himself of her influence. Destroying the decorative pillows is like destroying the essence of the bed!

Chandler Bing: The cushions are the essence of the chair!
Joey: That’s right! I'm taking the essence.

Removing the essence of the bed makes his place look even more boring. It highlights the major difference in Reuben and Polly’s personalities. His place is neat, clean, organized, and pale. Her place is colorful, creative, open, heavily decorated, and lively.

On one of their next dates, Polly is wearing a really nice dress. She even commits to going on a trip with him. She is becoming more like him; she clearly likes him. He is just too rigid. He ruined the mood by talking about the germs in a bowl of nuts on the bar table. Chandler would have been going crazy with the jokes about the bowl of nuts.

Chandler: I'm not great at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?

Lisa is back. She is like Janice. She just keeps coming back. AHAHAHAHAHA!

Janice: Oh! My! God!

You missed your shot, Lisa. I get that he was married to this woman, but she left him. He absolutely cannot get back together with her. It is Jennifer Aniston. The choice is clear. Maybe he should make a pros and cons list on his computer and say that she is not “Rachum”. While he didn’t do that exactly, he did make a risk management comparison of the two.

Polly: What?! I’ve been living my life, okay? I’ve been in good relationships, and I’ve been in s****y ones. (or maybe sharty ones) And I’ve moved a lot, and I’ve been happy, and I’ve been sad, and I’ve been lonely, and that’s what I’ve been doin’. Which is a lot more than I can say for some freak who thinks he’ll get the Ebola virus from a bowl of mixed nuts.

Reuben: Those nuts have pee on them! It’s common sense!

Polly: Oh, trust me, that is so far beyond common sense, Reuben.

The truth comes out. Reuben is kind of nuts for thinking of marriage already. If he watched Friends, he should know that it is too soon for Rachel and for Polly.

Rachel: But I do not want to have everything decided for me. I spent my whole life like that… I like not knowing right now.

That exchange between Ross and Rachel really represents the status of Reuben and Polly’s relationship. He just can’t see that she doesn’t need structure like he does.

Reuben goes to Sandy’s play with Lisa, and he is going to give up on Polly. But then his dad imparts some serious wisdom on Sandy that resonates perfectly with Reuben.

Reuben’s dad: When you least expect it, something great might come along. Something better than you even planned for.

Along Came Polly. He expected something standard; what he got was Polly. He got a woman who wants to make him better, not a woman who doesn’t love him enough to be with him.

Just like Rachel, Polly is heartbroken and leaving town. Then the slightly nuts Ross Geller and Reuben Feffer chase after their women in NYC. Reuben finds Polly, and they make things right through Reuben eating street nuts.

Reuben: Since we’ve been together, I’ve felt more uncomfortable, out of place, embarrassed, and just physically sick than I have in my entire life. But I couldn’t have gone through all that… I couldn’t have thrown up 19 times in 48 days… if I wasn’t in love with you.

He is letting go of his lifestyle of no risk and being spontaneous and unconventional for her.

Ross: It’s always been you, Rach.

She decides not to leave. While she never actually got on the plane, in a symbolic way she was just like Rachel in Friends:

Rachel Green (Friends): I got off the plane.

Who has more game, Ross or Reuben? It is close, but Ross is smoother and more confident giving him the edge. His confidence and charisma did land him three wives.

Favorite character: Polly Prince

The character I’d be afraid to hangout with: Sandy Lyle. Only if he doesn’t shart.

The Hankin (an actor who seems to be in everything): Hank Azaria as Claude

Best quote:

Sandy: Dude! No! This is serious. I just sharted.

Reuben: I don’t know what that means.

Sandy: I tried to fart, and a little shit came out. I just sharted. Alright, now let’s go.

Reuben: You’re the most disgusting person I’ve ever met in my life.

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 10 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite movies and shows. Today, we are looking at Almost Famous through the eyes of William Miller and Russell Hammond.

William Miller is two years younger than the rest of his grade. He doesn’t fit in. The main opening scene with William features three young men. The first has full facial hair. The second, a mustache. Then there is the small William, with no facial hair.

Elaine Miller: Who put such a high premium on being typical? You’re unique.

His sister Anita Miller, played by Zooey Deschanel, leaves home and leaves her record collection to her younger brother. She knows it will change his life.

Anita: One day you’ll be cool.

Oh, thanks, sis! I’m glad you think I’m so lame now! But maybe one day I will be cool. That’s really encouraging.

…

A young man sits in class, channeling his inner Anita Miller from the influence of his rock ‘n’ roll music. It is William, present day, finally blending in.

William is a promising music writer. His mentor is Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Lester Bangs. He and William talk, and he tells him not to make friends with the rock stars. He says that he has to make his reputation on being honest and unmerciful.

Lester: Music, you know, true music, uh, not just rock ‘n’ roll, it chooses you.

Lester sees the potential in William, and he wants him to understand that being a good music journalist requires not losing yourself. You can’t let the rock stars get to you. He respects and listens to everything Lester says, taking notes as he talks. It is time for William to fly like REO Speedwagon.

William goes to Black Sabbath’s concert to interview the band. He buzzes the door to try to get backstage, but the goon won’t let him in. He gives up after many valiant efforts, but just as he is walking up the stadium’s loading ramp, a bus pulls up. Out walks a band that is an hour and a half late. William watches in awe as Stillwater passes by. He is excited to see the whole band, but he is in awe to see Russell Hammond.

From William’s perspective, the bus was at the top of the hill. A metaphor for what the band means to William; they are the peak of music. He is just watching from the bottom of the ramp as a fan. But when the band walks right past him, he realizes this is his chance.

Stillwater quickly dismissed him because he is a kid. Before they can fully write him off, William drops some elite ball knowledge to prove himself and his love for music.

William: Hi. I’m a journalist. I write for Creem magazine.

Jeff Bebe: Oh, The Enemy. A rock writer.

…

Russell: We play for the fans, not the critics.

William: Russell, Jeff, Ed, Larry. I really love your band. I think the song Fever Dog is a big step forward for you guys. And you guys producing it yourselves instead of Glyn Johns, that was the right thing to do. And, Russell… Russell, the guitar sound is “incindiary”. Incendiary. Way to go. (walks away)

Jeff: Well, hey, man.

Russell: Hey, man, don’t stop there. Where are you goin’? Come on back.

Jeff: I’m incendiary too, man.

William loves Stillwater, and he loves music. It showed there, and the band saw that. They bring him inside with them.

…

William watches on as the band plays Fever Dog to a massive crowd. The crowd was screaming for Russell, but he kept getting overshadowed by Jeff’s vocals. Russell keeps looking at William. He likes him; he sees something in him, maybe a reflection of himself.

Jeff: The Enemy! Come up to LA we’ll talk some more.

William gets a call from the music editor at Rolling Stone magazine. He lies to the editor by speaking deeply and acting like he is older. William suggests he can write about Stillwater, after all, that was his big break. The Rolling Stone guy gives him a 3,000-word assignment for $1,000. Since he is very new to this scale of writing assignment, he calls his new connection for advice.

Lester: Do the story. Who cares, you know? It’ll be good for ya. Remember this, don’t do it to make friends with people who are trying to use you to, uh, further the big business desire to glorify worthless rock stars like Stillwater! You know, don’t let those swill merchants rewrite you.

Stillwater starts the “ALMOST FAMOUS-TOUR 73” with William aboard.

As the band cuts loose on the bus, they drive down a winding open road, no cars in sight. William sits in the back and observes; he is just happy to be there. He planned to interview the band members separately, approaching Russell first. He agrees to talk later that day. But it wouldn’t be that simple.

Later that night, the first opportunity to interview the star arises.

William: Russell! So, what is it you love about music?

Russell: (laughs) Shut that thing off for a second, and I’ll tell you the truth, all right? Look, uh… f**k. I trust you, so I’m just gonna lay this right on ya. Just make us look cool.

William appreciates that Russell has taken an interest in him. William is starting to feel cool. Russell is starting to confide in him. It is odd that a guy who thinks he is so cool already is concerned about not looking cool. A cool person would look cool no matter what.

Russell: See, I grew up with these guys, but I can’t play all that I can play. I’m past ‘em, as musicians, but the more popular we get, the bigger their houses get, the more responsibilities, the pressure, you know, the harder it gets for me to walk out on ‘em. (laughs) What am I doin’? I’m telling secrets to the one guy you don’t tell secrets to.

Russell makes it known to everyone that he trusts William. But then he says he shouldn’t be telling him his secrets. He seems to be trying to convince himself that William is harmless.

At their next concert, Jeff is singing, as usual. Then Russell tries to grab the mic to add vocals. He gets electrocuted, and the band leaves the show. That shock he had means more than just getting shocked. It means being unable to overtake Jeff. He tries to sing, but his star can’t shine brighter than his frontman. He wants to be the guy, but he can’t be. That last scene with William proved that when he said:

Russell: I’m past ‘em, as musicians…

The band is at their next venue and gets their hands on their first T-shirts. The graphic has Russell in the foreground, and Jeff blurred out in the back. The way it should be. Jeff is pissed; he thinks he should be front and center.

Jeff: From the very beginning, we said I’m the front man, and you’re the guitarist with mystique. That’s the dynamic we agreed on. Page, Plant, Mick, Keith, but somehow it’s all turning around. We have got to control what’s happening! There’s a responsibility here.

Russell: Excuse me, but didn’t we all get into this to avoid responsibility?

Jeff: I can’t say any more with the writer here.

Russell: Oh, no, no, no. You could trust him. Say what you want. He won’t write it.

…

Jeff: And yet, why do I always end up feeling like I’m a joke to you? Look, you want to pretend this isn’t gonna be a very big band? Well, it is! You call yourself a leader of this band, but your direction allowed this T-shirt when you allowed Dick to manage us ‘cause he’s your friend! Don’t you see, man, the T-shirt is everything.

…

Jeff: And let me just say what nobody else wants to say…

Russell: WHAT?

Jeff: Your looks have become a problem.

Those botched shirts really show exactly how the band stands. It shows they are struggling with their own identity. Before William leaves, he goes back to the empty room to get the shirt. That shirt meant more to him than the band. The band is struggling to come together, but William is just happy to be a part of it all. He is happy with his place when no one else is.

Russell and William head to a party where Russell gets wasted and passes out. In the morning, he wakes up in a less friendly light.

Russell: Look at him. He’s taking notes with his eyes. How do we know you’re not a cop? Huh? The Enemy! STOP F****N’ LOOKING AT ME!

It is time for William to go home; he and his mom have a deal that he will come home at this point in the tour. He is trying to get his interview before it is too late. The band gets on the bus and drives off to Elton John’s Tiny Dancer.

The guys look disappointed, lost, and separated. Russell looks completely different. He looks like a guy who has no direction or purpose. As the song gets going, more and more of the guys start singing. Russell hears them singing and still looks sad, but he starts rocking his head to the song. Then he smiles. The outside of the bus shows “DORIS”, the bus’s name. The band is traveling forward, but not because of making things right with words. They make it right with the power of music.

Russell: HOLD ME CLOSER, TINY DANCER!

William: I have to go home.

Penny Lane: You are home.

The band starts singing Tiny Dancer, bringing Russell right back to his true home. His home is becoming William’s home too. He told William earlier that the band would get further and further away from their roots as fame came. But back on that bus, they are Stillwater. They are friends.

The band gets to their hotel. In the morning, William wants to go see if Russell is ready for his interview. He sees the do not disturb tag on the door that says “PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB EVER!!!”. He knocks.

Russell: Please go the f**k away!

William has a mini breakdown in the hallway. He starts flipping off the sign on the door, kicking the laundry bag, then cries. He has himself a little moment, just like Russell had the scene before.

William begins acting a little more like Russell as his life gets synced with the band. He even looks like him. William’s mom calls to check up on him, and Russell takes the phone, thinking he will use his charm on William’s mom. What he got was a serious wake-up call.

Elaine: Do we understand each other?

Russell: Uh, yes, ma’am.

…

Elaine Miller: It’s not too late for you to become a person of substance, Russell.

Elaine is so scared of the lifestyle that William is walking into. She is scared that he will become like Stillwater. Elaine saw that her son could become like Russell, and she had to mother him like her own. She knew that her only chance to save her son from the rock star life was to try to get through to his biggest idol. She had to change the star to change the prodigy.

Russell: Your mom kind of freaked me out.

William: She means well.

The band finishes their show in Cleveland, and their current manager feels obligated to let them talk to a hotshot manager who has all the big bands. The guy is played by Jimmy Fallon. He tells the band basically to ditch their roots; he wants them to travel by plane and get rid of the bus. It is all about money for him.

Jeff: Doris is the soul of this band. That bus has been our home since we were the Jeff Bebe band. No way.

The band accepts the offer and takes the private plane.

They take Doris to the airport. The band walks behind their new manager as rock music plays. They are becoming real rock stars.

As they walk to the private plane, the only person who turns around to appreciate Doris is William. He looks back at the bus with the destination sign “STILLWATER TOUR”. The band is leaving behind its roots. William is the only one who realizes; the rest just see the cheddar rolling in. Russell glances back, but the new level of fame was too much for him to care about leaving Doris behind. He was ready to be a star.

Doc Holliday (Tombstone): I'm afraid the strain was more than he could bear.

…

The turning point of the movie takes place back on that plane. They are now in the luxurious rock star lifestyle, on their second flight on their new plane. A major storm hits the guys in the air. Not just a literal storm, but also an emotional storm. This moment shakes the truth out of the band, but more importantly, it made Russell realize who he really is.

That plane is a metaphor for the band. They are flying high as rock stars. However, they realize it could be the end of their lives, and this is the peak of what they would be remembered for. Is this how they want their legacy to be defined?

Russell: If, uh… If something should happen, maybe I never said this enough, I love all of you.

He had himself a Mike Winchell moment from Friday Night Lights.

This is for the state championship. I love all of y'all, baby. I love all of ya.

The band speaks their mind, so William does too. He calls Russell out for being a phony. He tells the guys how they are frauds because they let Penny go, they let their biggest fan go because they are too stupid to see that she adored them. They are too dumb to realize that their fans are everything, even though they claim to be “for the fans”.

…

They survive and land safely. As the band walks through the airport, William walks with them, instead of behind them.

Russell: Write what you want.

The young writer struggles to feel like he belongs. He calls Lester for advice. This is where he breaks the harsh reality to William that they are not as powerful, successful, or good-looking as the rockstars. They just make them feel cool.

Lester: That's because we're uncool.

The band is so worried they won’t be cool that they become uncool. Their whole persona denies them any authenticity.

Jeff: We come off like amateurs, some average band trying to come to grips with success, jealous and fighting and breaking up. We’re buffoons! “Rock ‘n’ roll can save the world”? “The chicks are great”? I sound like a d**k!

Russell: Maybe we just don’t see ourselves the way we really are.

Jeff: Is it that hard to make us look cool?

Rolling Stone is hyped about the story, but then Russell denies the whole story. He denies William's success and authenticity to protect his fragile ego. Russell rips away everything William had been working on. His big break, his credibility, was gone. For what? To protect an image that is already more damaged than they realized.

Russell calls Penny and asks to see her to make things right. She gives him her address, but really, it was William’s. Russell shows up at the house and is excited to see her. He knocks, and William’s mom answers. He introduces himself, and she remembers him. She said that she knew she got through to him. He still doesn’t know it is William’s home. Then he realizes.

Just before he goes to talk to William, Elaine says:

Elaine: My son is very important to me too. And I do think you owe him an apology. I appreciate you showing up.

Russell: No, no. I agree, ma’am.

Elaine: There’s hope for you yet, Russell.

He tells William that he told Rolling Stone the truth. He told them every word that he wrote was true. He stopped denying his reality. He accepted his place in the world by being authentic to himself for once.

Russell sits down, and they begin the interview, finally.

William Miller: So Russell... what do you love about music?
Russell Hammond: To begin with, everything.

The entire movie, Russell was fighting his identity. He was fighting his true passion by hiding behind his vices. By experiencing the youthful perspective of his band’s journalist, Russell was able to see that his true passion wasn’t for the drugs, success, or girls; it was a total obsession with music.

…

The band is back on the bus. Back to the guys who just love everything about music. The destination sign says “NO MORE AIRPLANES-TOUR 74”. They drive off into the empty, long, open road, endless possibilities ahead, and a bright sun overtaking the road. New year, new band. The band found its soul again: the bus.

William helped Russell to change his life. He helped him see his emptiness and find his passion for music again.

The final montage shows Jeff and Russell happy together on stage. They are accepting each other’s roles and have stopped fighting. They share a moment of embrace.

“Stillwater Runs Deep!” by William Miller from Rolling Stone is out, and a happy Russell stands ahead of the rest of the band. Jeff isn’t fighting that Russell is the true star anymore.

The song “Hold On” by Jet is a perfect way to describe how Russell was living:

William and Russell both had to overcome being secondary in life. William was always secondary to his peers, his sister, the bands, and the older writers. Russell was always secondary to Jeff. And just like Jeff tried to do to Russell, Russell tried to do to William; he saw he had great potential and tried to dim his light by making his life more difficult. Fortunately, Russell, Jeff, and William all realize that you can’t silence passion.

Russell and William look a little alike. William tried to model himself after guys just like him. Russell has a mustache, which represents the version of William that the young man always wanted to be. He always wanted to be older and cooler. Then he realized that being famous wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed. Instead, being Almost Famous was enough. It was enough to sniff the lights of stardom and realize being uncool was cool enough.

Favorite character: Russell Hammond

The Hankin (an actor who seems to be in everything): Rainn Wilson as David Felton

Best quote:

Lester: That’s because we’re uncool.

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 9 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite shows and movies. Today, we are looking at Spider-Man 2. This Episode looks at the complicated relationship between Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Kirsten Dunst’s Mary Jane Watson.

INTRODUCTION

Spider-Man 2 opens with the eyes of Mary Jane Watson (MJ). They are soft, loving, and light up a huge advertisement in the city. Peter almost crashes his pizza delivery bike looking at it. Spider-Man is now a pizza delivery boy.

He is struggling to make ends meet, missing his classes, his life in shambles. He tries to be Spider-Man and Peter Parker all at once, and it just doesn’t quite work.

…

Harry Osborn and MJ are at Aunt May’s house to celebrate Peter’s birthday.

After the party, Peter takes out the trash. MJ is outside, and they get to talking. The first Spider-Man movie where Peter had to tell MJ that they couldn’t be together extends right into this scene. That awkward distance is still between them.

It is nighttime, MJ stands at her side of the fence, and Peter stands at his. His face is half-lit, hers the same. The physical barrier between them is a fence. However, that fence represents the barrier of Peter’s secret, the disconnect between the two. They aren’t quite on the same page, or in the same place in life.

Their half-lit faces do the same visual storytelling. Peter’s two sides represent his two identities. MJ represents her life without Peter. She is acting, modeling, chasing her dreams. The other side is the dark side, the side that wants to be with Peter. The side that can’t be lit unless she feels resolution for the heartbreak.

MJ: You’re such a mystery.

She reaches her hand out and places it on the lit side of Peter’s face. That lit side is the side she is comfortable with, the part of Peter she knows. Not the dark side that represents his mysterious secrets. As she walks away and tells Peter she is seeing someone else, her face lights up a little more. There isn’t such a distinction between the light and dark sides in that moment for her. That other part of her life that doesn’t include Peter is the part that is moving on. That part is almost fully bright.

Peter is living at a crappy apartment by himself. Before he opens the door, it is a pitch black room which speaks to the loneliness he has been feeling. He turns the light on and sits on his bed alone. The screen fades to black.

The screen fades back into the bright morning sun of the city. The city where he can be himself, the city where he is Spider-Man. The subsequent scenes bring attention to Peter’s inner struggles. His face is half overcome by a shadow in each one.

Peter is at a laundromat washing his suit with his other clothes. The suit shrank a lot. He gets home and looks at his shrunken Spidey suit in his closet. His face is bright. The next cut shows Peter getting his formal dress suit on to go see MJ’s play, and his face is extremely darkened on one side. The sudden shift from being Spider-Man to being Peter Parker drastically shifts his mood.

On the way to MJ’s play, Peter is suddenly being tailgated by a car and has to backflip over it in Spidey fashion to not get hit. He was dressed as a normal dude, so it was a little odd when this nerd backflipped over a car.

He has to suit up and fight crime. He does so easily. Right after that, he pulls up to the theater again, and a cop tells him to move his car. His attitude is confident, and he disregards the comment, leaving the car in the street. His face is briefly brightened by the confidence he has as Spider-Man. Once he steps inside the building for the play, his face is dark on one side again. The closer he gets to MJ, the more in the shadow he feels.

Unfortunately, Peter couldn’t get in because the play had already started. He waits outside, deeply saddened to have let MJ down again. A shot of his shadowed face fills the screen. His life is getting too empty.

…

Peter’s silhouette dashes through an alley in the darkness. He needs to go be Spider-Man after disappointing MJ. He reaches just enough light to illuminate his body as he becomes Spider-Man. He soars through the city, and suddenly his webs won’t shoot. He takes a massive fall and realizes that he is having some serious issues with his powers.

On the way home, he sees about 50 MJ posters on the street. As he walks past, his face is in the darkness. Her face on the posters is the same. The distance between them makes it impossible for Peter to gain any ground in his life; his happiness revolves around MJ. He sees her successful, bright, kind eyes, and Peter feels the exact opposite way that she looks.

Peter calls MJ from a payphone on his college campus. He leaves a message on her machine, and it cuts him off before he can say everything he wanted to. He is broke, so he can’t call back. Instead, he stands there talking into the empty phone as if he was talking to MJ.

Peter: I want to tell you the truth. Here it is. I’m Spider-Man. Weird, huh? Now you know why I can’t be with you. If my enemies found out about you, if you got hurt, I could never forgive myself. I wish I could tell you how I feel about you.

During that scene, as he lets go of the burden, his face is lit on both sides. The sun lights up his face. He feels a brief moment of relief.

NO MORE

His life is becoming increasingly more complicated. MJ doesn’t want to see him. Harry is mad at him because Peter knows who Spider-Man is and won’t tell him. Aunt May is broke and is losing her home. Peter is losing his powers due to stress, all while the villain of the movie has been causing chaos in the city. Despite all of this, Peter continues to fight as Spidey.

Peter arrives at a party where he has a chance to talk to MJ. His face is again fully dark on one side, hers a little less shadowed. That slight extra brightness she has is from her life moving forward without him.

MJ: After all these years, he’s nothing to me but an empty seat. (Talking about Peter)

Dang, that was cold. Turns out MJ and her astronaut boyfriend are getting married. Peter is really struggling now. He is having issues with his powers; he is losing everyone and everything.

A saddened Peter imagines talking to his Uncle Ben. The scene is a dreamy car chat where full bright white lights overtake the windows. That light wasn’t strong enough to light Peter’s face. Uncle Ben’s face is lit, but Peter can’t find his way.

Peter: No, Uncle Ben. I’m just Peter Parker. I’m Spider-Man no more. No more.

He lost everything. He lost himself. It is time to find his happiness again. It is time to step away from the suit. He throws the suit away.

LITERALLY JUST PETER

The next scene is Peter walking to class. The bright sun was shining down on him. His face is fully illuminated. Both sides are lit by the light. He is happy.

He attends class as the nerd he previously set aside. He smiles.

There is one thing he still has to make right. He finally attends MJ’s play.

MJ (in character during the play): I hope you have not been leading a double life…

MJ looks at Peter in the crowd, shocked to see him. She is radiating joy and light because he is there. She even forgets her line.

MJ (in character during the play): I am glad.

The lines her character says aren’t just representative of the lines of the play. They also speak directly to Peter and how she feels about him in those moments. Before she sees him there she says, “I hope you have not been leading a double life…” After she sees he finally came, she says “I am glad.”

After the play is over, MJ and Peter catch up.

MJ: You look different.

Peter: I shined my shoes, pressed my pants. Did my homework. I do my homework now.

Peter wants a second chance. MJ can’t do that because she is getting married.

THE SUIT REAPPEARS

The shrunken Spidey suit resurfaces and is now in the hands of The Daily Bugle. The shrunken suit means more than just Peter throwing away his suit. The shrunken suit shows the shrunken sense of self Peter had by sacrificing his life to be a superhero.

MJ and Peter meet up again to have coffee and to talk. The shot is a side angle of them with one side of their faces showing. His dark, hers bright. The difference in the lighting on their faces shows the strange place they are in. They are just slightly off. Peter backtracks on what he said to MJ before about wanting to be together. He tells MJ he doesn’t love her.

MJ: Kiss me.

Peter: Kiss you?

MJ: I need to know something. Just one kiss.

Peter is like, “This is my lucky day!” As she leans in for the kiss, a car flies through the window, and he saves her. The villain is back, and he takes MJ in order to get to Spider-Man.

He steals his suit back, it is time to be Spider-Man again.

THE FINAL BATTLE

Spider-Man fights the villain. I won’t recap the fight; you can see that anywhere. So instead, let’s jump straight to the end of the fight.

Spidey wins. He no longer has his mask on. MJ walks up to see Peter Parker is Spider-Man. She is surprised, but a little part of her looks like she always knew. Her face is almost fully lit up, but there is so much to be uncovered about this mystery that is Spider-Man still.

MJ: You do love me.

Peter: I do.

He saves the day. He and MJ get out of the danger zone and find a safe place to talk.

MJ: I think I always knew. All this time. Who you really were.

Peter: Then you know why we can’t be together. Spider-Man will always have enemies. I can’t let you take that risk. I will always be Spider-Man. You and I can never be.

Their faces get a little dark again. The distance still remains. She can’t be with him, and that will always keep a little sadness in her heart.

SUNSHINE

MJ is getting married. She is supposed to be walking down the aisle, but she never shows. The next scene shows a glowing MJ in her wedding dress running to go find Peter.

He is at home, and the dark side of his face fills the screen. The camera slowly pans to show his full face half-lit. But there is a glowing woman in the doorway behind him. Right beside his dark-sided face is the one thing that can make it bright again. He turns around to see her and is overcome with joy.

Peter: Mary Jane.

MJ: Peter. I can’t survive without you.

Peter: You shouldn't be here.

MJ: I know you think we can’t be together. But can’t you respect me enough to let me make my own decision? I know there will be risks, but I want to face them with you. It’s wrong that we should only be half alive, half of ourselves. I love you. So here I am standing in your doorway. I’ve always been standing in your doorway.

(She places her hand on the darker side of his face)

Isn’t it about time somebody saved your life? Well, say something.

Peter: Thank you, Mary Jane Watson. (kisses her and hears a siren in the distance)

MJ: Go get ‘em, Tiger.

Peter smiles as he realizes that MJ wants to be with him as both Spider-Man and Peter Parker. He heads out to fight crime as the bright sky shines down on the scene. MJ looks out at Peter flying through the city. Peter is lit by the sky, flying with full freedom and happiness to be himself. More importantly, he is shining because he is finally with MJ. The sun is prominent as he fades away into the city.

MJ looks on at the bright city and is finally where she needs to be. No more half alive, no more half themselves. The darkness is gone. They light up the dark side of each other; they make each other whole.

Favorite character: Peter Parker/Spider-Man

The Hankin (an actor who seems to be in everything): Daniel Dae Kim as Raymond. It is Jin from Lost!

Best quote:

MJ: It’s wrong that we should only be half alive, half of ourselves. I love you.

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 8 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite shows and movies. Today, we are looking at I Love You, Man, the Paul Rudd and Jason Segel bromance.

INTRODUCTION

Peter Klaven, played by Paul Rudd, is a man looking for friends to fill his wedding party. He is a real estate agent having a showing for Lou Ferrigno. As he looks outside, he sees a rather tall, funky-looking fella eating his sandwiches. The guy is Jason Segel’s Sydney Fife; he is there to meet women and have free food. He has no intention of buying the house. Peter approaches Sydney in hopes to strike up a friendly conversation.

Sydney: Well, it’s body language, you know? Look, that guy needs to fart. It’s pretty clear, but he doesn’t know her well enough to do it in front of her, so assume they haven’t slept together.

Peter: He does seem to be clenching.

Sydney: Yeah, he doesn’t wanna fart. When he gets enough space, he’ll let one rip, I guarantee.

…

Sydney: Now watch. He’s making his move. Slowly but surely. Watch the leg. Wait for it. Wait for it. Fart. Boom. That’s a fart, m**********r. That’s a f*****g fart… Look at him crop-dusting across your open house... It’s a disgrace.

Peter: He farted in my open house.

…

Peter: You called that. That was like a play-by-play. That’s amazing. You called that!

Sydney: Yeah. Well, I know my farts.

The introduction. Peter knows that the only way for him to make a friend is to make an effort. He noticed Sydney outside, and he had this commanding presence. Two eligible friends in one place. Peter could tell right away that Sydney was the type of guy he would like to be friends with.

MAN-DATE

After their introduction, Peter decides to give him a call to set up the first hangout.

Peter: Hey, Peter. It’s Sydney Klaven. No, that’s not right. Sydney, it’s Peter Klaven.

Is this Swingers? That was just an atrocious voicemail, absolutely abysmal. I will give Peter some credit here because he didn’t pick up the phone like Mike in Swingers and leave like 10 extra voicemails. Peter was very disappointed in his poor attempt at being casual. Luckily for him, Sydney is nuts too, and he suggests they go have a beer.

The first man-date is ON! This night was a major boost to Peter’s confidence. He had been lacking the male friend aspect of his life. He hangs out with his fiancée, with her friends, and never really gets to be himself. With Sydney, Peter finds a different side of himself, and he likes it. He likes how it makes him feel comfortable.

Sydney nicknames him Pistol, after the famous Pete “Pistol Pete” Maravich. I think that’s a great nickname. Back in the olden days on NBA2K, I would get absolutely dusted by Pistol Pete on blacktop mode. That small gesture of giving him a nickname was something that meant a lot to Peter. He appreciated that Sydney just saw him as a person, a friend, not some weird guy who was trying to make friends. That nickname was a little seal of approval from him. Pistol thought he would try to return the favor.

Sydney: You get home safe, Pistol.

Peter: You got it, Joban.

…

Sydney: No, what’d you say?

Peter: I don’t know. You nicknamed me Pistol, and I just called you Joban. It means nothing. I don’t… I’m drunk. I’m gonna call a cab.

Their first hang is over, and Pete is feeling really good. You can just tell how much he needed that. His finacée, Zooey Rice (Rashida Jones), could tell how excited he was. She asked if he would be his best man. It was a small moment between them, but it showed that Zooey really wants him to be able to find a guy friend. She wants him to have someone meaningful standing next to him on their wedding day.

BOARDWALK

Sydney invites Peter to hang out again, and they walk down the boardwalk. Sydney’s outfit reflects his personality. He is wearing Ugg boots, patterned swim trunks, and a long-sleeve flannel. His clothes are casual, idgaf type clothes. Whereas Peter wears a suit and looks like he has never slouched in his life.

Sydney and Pete talk about the Lou Ferrigno’s house. Peter tells him he is trying to sell it, but it is hard.

Sydney: Hey, no, Pete. Trying is having the intention to fail. You gotta scrap that word from your vocab. Say you’re gonna do it and you will.

A nice moment that shows how quickly Sydney has embraced Peter. He feels comfortable enough in front of him to give advice. That is the beginning of a real friendship. It wasn’t him saying, dude, why are you scared, that’s lame. It was dude, you can do this.

…

Right after that heartfelt moment, Sydney’s dog takes a big giant shiz on the sidewalk. Of course, he is not going to clean it up. That just isn’t his style. As they walk away from the shiz, a runner steps right into it. Sydney just has this hilarious look as he gets in the runner’s face. He is a little crazy, and I think Pistol finally sees that.

That was easily my favorite scene in the movie. The way Sydney charges the runner and starts screaming in his face is hilarious. Jason Segel is electric. He explains to Peter, who looks a little frightened, that this is his way of getting his man emotions out. He wants Pistol to try yelling and see how it feels. Peter gave it a go and liked it.

That moment is a nice checkpoint of where the two are in their relationship. Sydney has embraced the friendship by giving some advice to Pistol about his self-confidence. But now, Peter was able to show Sydney that he trusts him. He trusts that his suggestion of screaming under the boardwalk could actually be good. He helps him step outside his comfort zone and let some of those man emotions fly. It was the first sign of Peter becoming Sydneyified.

MAN CAVE

Sydney takes Peter to his place to hang. It is his first time being there. He has a place that is exactly what you would expect. He has a nice garage man cave. It is decked out with multiple TVs, tons of guitars, and Rush posters.

They have a little hang, and Peter is getting ready to head out. As they say bye, he tries to give Sydney another nickname.

Peter: Take it easy, Siddy Slicker.

Peter: I’m sorry.

Sydney: What?

Peter: I called you Siddy Slicker. That sucks.

Sydney: No, it was pretty close.

Peter: It’s a lame nickname.

Sydney: I thought it was good. It was better than Joban.

Peter: Yeah, right. I’m gonna get it. I’ll get a better one.

There is just a little distance and awkwardness between the two so far. Peter doesn’t exactly know what to do with himself. He just wants Sydney to like him, but he seems to have this underlying fear that he will ruin it. That is a valid fear considering he has called him Joban and Siddy Slicker and says goodbye by saying “Laters on the menjay” and “I will see you there, or I will see you another time”.

Sydney shows up at Peter’s work because he wants to go hang out.

Peter: Leftover Koo Koo Roo? Well, that sounds about as appetizing as a pile… a big pile of… A plate of dirt, or something. I’m… I was… I’m kidding.

Sydney: Yeah. I still want to hang out, despite that joke.

His attempts at mirroring Sydney are not going well. Sydney has this large presence; he lights up rooms. Whereas Peter is just awkward and has this disconnect between everyone. When Sydney is with him, he brings something out of him. The problem is, I don’t think Peter has ever cut loose. He is learning what that means.

Things start to shift as Peter begins finding his place in Sydney’s life. They are becoming real friends. The Tom Sawyer scene shows that bond and chemistry in full effect. Even at Peter’s fencing match, Sydney was there cheering him on. In the past, no one was there, and he had no real friends there to support him. That is real friendship, real friends show up for each other.

WORLDS ARE COLLIDING

Sydney introduced Pistol to his other friends. The merging of worlds.

Sydney: No, it’s just I thought we were all gonna have dinner together, so I ordered us a 6-foot sub.

Turns out all of Sydney’s other friends had other family obligations.

Zooey: Do you want some?

Peter: Nah, I had like a foot and a half back at Sydney’s, I’m golden.

Everyone’s lives are moving forward with their families. Sydney is not in that phase of life; he is the guy who can always hang. This moment was a small grounding moment for Sydney in Peter’s mind. He realized that Sydney is in the same boat as him. As it turns out, Peter and Sydney are more similar than it once seemed.

…

Peter has shifted his whole personality to be more like Sydney. He speaks differently with Zooey, he acts differently, and he is happy. Not that he wasn’t happy with Zooey, but he has a different level of happiness now. He has a fully fulfilled life. It is becoming clear to Zooey that he is changing. The three of them go to a Rush concert.

As the band is rocking, Zooey watches on as Peter and Sydney do air guitar to the songs together. They are facing each other, which means Peter had his back to her for the majority of the show. That was not the move.

Zooey: The big deal is that we were supposed to have a date night, and you took me to this concert, which is cool, but then we get there, and it’s like I don’t even exist. You don’t even look at me. You’re licking Sydney’s bass guitar.

He was slappin’ da bass, come on now, Zooey. Let the man rock! But for real, how could he not pay attention to her at all? She was interested in learning more about Rush, but instead, she stood there and watched Joban and Pistol go nuts.

Sydney: Look at me. You have this image of yourself as this strait-laced, tight guy, but I’ve seen you cut loose in the man cave, and it is fantastic.

Peter: Well, yeah. Slap a little bass.

That slap of da bass line is a clear indication of where Peter stands in this friendship. Peter has held onto everything they have done; he really has loved this time with him. He has cherished it. Peter keeps joking about the bass to Sydney and Zooey. It is like Peter is just not fully convinced that Sydney will actually be his friend/best man just yet.

Then Sydney asked Peter for an eight-thousand-dollar loan.

Peter: It’s the least I could do for the best man at my wedding.

Sydney: What are you talking about?

Peter: I want you to stand up there with me. Are you cool with that?

Sydney: Am I cool with that? Of course I’ll be your best man! That’s an honor! It’s… (hugs Peter)

What a beautiful moment. It took them from casual friends to real bros.

Right after this, they are back on the boardwalk, and Sydney sees Peter’s competition trying to steal his commission for the house that they met at. So Sydney walks right up to them and starts picking a fight with Lou Ferrigno. He throws a punch at Lou and ends up getting put in a sleeper hold. But the important thing here is that Sydney walked right up to him to call him on his nonsense. He wasn’t going to let his friend get screwed in the deal, so he picked a fight with Lou Ferrigno.

BRO-KE-UP

Peter is driving and begins seeing a bunch of very strange and unforgettable Peter Klaven real estate billboards all over town. That is what Sydney used the eight-thousand-dollars for. But it wasn’t a joke; it was an attempt to advance Peter’s career. Peter did not see the big picture, though, and he is pissed.

Sydney: Hey, you know what? I have a ton of friends, all right?

Peter: Yeah, who are all moving on with their lives. They’re in relationships. They have kids. They’re growing up.

…

Peter: I think we should spend some time apart. So if I actually do wind up having a wedding, it’s probably best that you, um, you not be there.

Sydney: Mmm-hmm. Yeah. Sounds good to me, Pete.

This scene was a little heartbreaking. It was really clear how hurt Sydney was to hear all of this. He wasn’t expecting that right after he was asked to be his best man, he would come over and tell him he didn’t want to be friends anymore. Sydney was really disappointed by this. When he closes the door after Peter leaves, he looks around a little and sees his empty man cave. He has no one left to hang out with. It showed the reality of Sydney’s life, that he had no one to hang with either. His empty man cave was a reflection of how he felt that moment. He felt alone.

…

Sydney is walking down the beach with his dog, alone. He is wearing the exact same outfit as he did when Peter walked down the boardwalk with him. It is the Uggs, swim trunks, and long-sleeve flannel again. However, this time, Sydney is very down. He looks really sad. He doesn’t have his best friend with him.

Peter comes back to work to a massive number of messages on his answering machine. Sydney’s billboards worked. He is getting business like crazy. Then the weenie who tried to steal his Hulk house starts bugging him at work again. But this time, Peter channels a little Sydney in his response. First, he slaps him, then says:

Peter: Tevin, stay the f**k away from my listing.

Yes! That is the Peter that Sydney always saw in him. He always knew that he could be assertive and confident. Even though they aren’t currently friends, Peter had his life changed by Sydney, whether he knew it or not.

WEDDING DAY

It is the wedding day, and Peter has his wedding party. None of the guys are Sydney. Zooey sees Peter doing a little air bass slappin’ outside and decides she will call Sydney. Turns out he was already on his way to the wedding, invite or not.

He makes it in time for the vows.

Zooey: Well, I saw you walking on the lawn looking all sad, and I realized I couldn’t let you get married without your best man.

Now that was a nice gesture, especially since Zooey wasn’t sure about their friendship earlier on. Now she gives it her seal of approval.

Sydney: Look, I was on my way when Zooey called. Invite or not, there was no way I was gonna miss your wedding…

That is a friend. Despite the fight, despite anything said, he knew that he couldn’t miss his friend's big day.

Pete: Sydney, I’m really sorry for all the stuff that I said.

Sydney: Pete, you called me on a lot of my issues. I appreciate it.

…

Pete: I’m really glad you’re here, Sydney.

Sydney: Me too.

Pete: I can’t even imagine getting married without you. I love you, man.

Sydney: I love you too, bud.

Pete: I love you, dude.

Sydney: I love you, Bro Montana.

Sydney walks down the aisle and stands in front of their friends and family. He is wearing a nice suit, he looks more polished than he has all movie. This moment was Peter and Sydney making their friendship official.

Sydney wearing the suit is significant. At the beginning of the movie, Sydney is very out there. He wears crazy clothes, he looks like a fun guy. Peter tries to mirror that and be a cool guy. By the final wedding scene, Sydney is wearing a suit, he is acting more like Peter. His actions and demeanor matched Peter more than ever. It confirms that Peter had just as much an impact on Sydney as Sydney had on him.

It became less of a movie about Peter getting a friend and more about the type of impact that a good friend can have on you. It went both ways. They became real friends. The kind of friends that can talk about anything, call each other on their crap, and love each other like brothers. That is why by the end, they were able to say, “I Love You, Man”

Favorite character: Sydney Fife

The character I’d hang out with: Sydney Fife

The Hankin (an actor who seems to be in everything): Jon Favreau as Barry. Favreau played it perfectly. He was so money.

Best quote:

Sydney: You get home safe, Pistol.

Peter: You got it, Joban.

Most baller quote:

Sydney: Look, I was on my way when Zooey called. Invite or not, there was no way I was gonna miss your wedding…

Letterboxd rating: 3.5/5 stars

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 7 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite shows and movies. Today, we are looking at one of 7AM’s favorite movie characters of all time, Superman/Clark Kent, as well as Lois Lane in Superman Returns. What a perfect Episode 7, one of my all-time favorite franchises, Superman!

After the previous four Superman movies with the legendary Christopher Reeve, the iconic superhero is back. This time, Brandon Routh dons the cape and assumes the dual identity of Superman/Clark Kent. This movie does not get the recognition it deserves. I have it rated a perfect 5/5 stars on my Letterboxd. I will be overanalyzing how an empty sky caused Lois Lane to move on, and how Superman lost everything trying to find meaning in his past.

SMALLVILLE

Martha Kent, Clark’s mother is quietly cleaning dishes at night in her house. The radio begins to play white noise. She hears a noise outside, the house starts shaking. A loud noise roars over the house and a giant flaming object comes bursting down onto her farm, exploding on impact. She goes to investigate. As she looks on to the flaming rubble, a hand reaches out to touch her. It is Superman, returning home.

The Superman theme faintly plays as Marlon Brando’s Jor-El speaks to his son, Kal-El, in a message from Krypton. Clark’s eyes open, starry ceiling above. He is back home in Smallville, Kansas, in his childhood bedroom. He has just returned from trying to see if anything was left of his home planet, Krypton. He was gone for five years.

Clark: That place was a graveyard. I am all that’s left.

METROPOLIS

The sudden chaos of the Daily Planet contrasts with the previous setting of quiet Smallville. The landscape shifts from scenic fields of Clark’s home to the concrete jungle of Metropolis.

Inside the Daily Planet, Clark walks in with a briefcase and two bags. His return to work after a five-year absence. Jimmy Olsen is so happy to see Clark. He even baked him a cake. Clark got his old job back and is ready to get back to his “normal” life.

Clark: Oh, hey, do you know where I can find… (Jimmy walks away) …Lois

Clark makes himself at home in the Daily Planet. He sees Lois Lane in her element on TV doing an interview. A smile overtakes his face. He finds her desk, and there he sees a Pulitzer Prize for the editorial entitled: “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.” That smile fades away. He realizes that Lois was deeply wounded by the lack of closure from Superman’s sudden departure.

He left Lois and the world behind to chase his past. Lois was so hurt by Superman’s leaving that she wrote an award-winning article on it. She was getting her feelings out. Some women like ice cream, some like a good cry, Lois likes a good article roasting her man.

Doug MacRay (The Town): I like to have a good cry at the nail salon.

He sees a photo of Lois, a man, and a kid. Her family. Clark cracks the photo by accident, or was it? It could be like when Rachel Green got the shell lamp in Friends, and Monica Geller accidentally broke it. I see what Clark did there, smooth.

SUPERMAN RETURNS

Lois Lane is flying home, and things take a turn for the worse. As the plane begins a crashing descent, she looks out the window and sees a quick blue streak fly past her window. Her eyes light up in shock as she realizes it could be Superman. Spend a nice chunk of time forgetting someone, and then he just shows back up; now that is not closure.

Rachel Green (Friends): And that is what we call closure.

The plane is falling towards a baseball game as Superman grabs the nose and gently sets it down on the field, mid-game. The crowd goes wild. You would think Shohei Ohtani just hit a walk-off grand slam in Game 7 of the World Series, it was that loud. Entering the plane with a gracious presence, Superman makes eye contact with Lois. She can’t believe it’s him. He asks her if she is ok. It is the beginning of making things right with Lois.

Superman steps out of the plane on the baseball field, and the crowd goes wild. He stares on as the crowd applauds. He admires the overwhelming love from the fans with a slight smile and relief that they are happy he’s back. This moment signifies the title of Superman Returns.

As the theme plays, Superman flies up into the sky, but just as he goes, Lois walks up to watch him. This slight distance and disconnect in timing between the two represent the distance Lois has felt while he was away. Then she passes out.

…

The Daily Planet is ready to roll out the news that:

Perry White: Superman returns.

Lois is back at work, and she is fine. It is like every version of Lois, she is unfazed. Teri Hatcher was a great standard for this as Lois in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. She brought that awesome ability to somehow separate her work from Superman, even though her work revolved around him. Kate Bosworth has that Lois Lane flair.

Clark meets Mr. Lois Lane. You already know that Clark is snatching her back, bro. Might as well just give up now.

Lois: You heard Perry, Superman’s back, and he thinks I’m the only one equipped to…

Richard White: To what?

Lois: I don’t know. You know.

Clark is standing there as she tells him this, which is a clear indication that she is not over him. She clearly was trying to be subtle, but she is about as subtle as Buddy the Elf walking through NYC in an elf costume.

AIRING OF GRIEVANCES

Lois: Hey, can I ask you something?

Clark: Uh, sure.

Lois: Have you ever met someone, and it’s almost like you were from totally different worlds, but you shared such a strong connection that you knew you were destined to be with each other? And then he just takes off without explaining why or without even saying goodbye. Sounds cheesy, I know.

Clark: Uh, well… maybe it was hard to say goodbye because he had to go and wanted to say goodbye, but maybe it was too difficult for him.

Lois: Difficult? What’s so difficult about it? “Goodbye.” It’s easy. What’s so hard about saying goodbye?

Clark: Uh, who are we talking about?

Lois: Nobody. Just forget I said anything.

This scene is a lot to unpack. I will break it into three sections.

1. Lois and Richard

Lois is clearly hurt by what Superman did. She is also clearly not over him. This is bad news for Richard.

2. Superman

Why did he not say goodbye? How hard is that really? She is 100% right and justifiably upset. This scene shows exactly how much Superman hurt Lois by leaving.

3. Lois and Clark

It would seem that Clark did say goodbye because the two of them picked up where they left off. Clark is trying to be there for the emotionally wounded Lois, but he is conflicted here because he is Superman as well. It’s a little awkward. She is ripping on Superman to Clark, but he totally gets it. He just wants to try to tell her how he feels through what-ifs about Superman. Clark realizes the damage he did by leaving.

Clark looks at Lois as she says all this stuff, probably thinking:

Doc Holliday (Tombstone): Why, Ike, whatever do you mean?

Lois leaves, and Superman goes for a nice fly to Lois’ house to see her new life. He listens in on her private conversation about Superman.

Richard: Were you in love with him?

Lois: (scoffs) He was Superman. Everyone was in love with him.

Richard: But were you?

Lois: No.

Richard: Lois…

Lois, you ain’t fooling no one. Consider the audience, The Who, and we “Won’t Get Fooled Again”. This scene shows that Richard is self-conscious about Superman’s return because he knows Lois still loves him. Loves, presently. Richard’s days are numbered as Mr. Lois Lane. He is out like the final play of Armando Galarraga’s imperfect game.

…

Clark flies away and floats high above the sky in space. The Superman theme plays again. His cape floats behind him, and he looks onto the world from above. The cape is stiff, and stays very still. It shows the work that needs to be done for Clark to be Superman again. Nothing is flowing yet. Nothing is right. This height signals to the audience the distance he feels from the world right now, the distance he feels from Lois.

He heads back down to Earth to help with a crime. Now that he is back as Superman, his life is always on the go. This big fool on a roof starts firing, and Superman intervenes. He is taking heavy automatic fire to the chest and walking up closer to the enemy. He gets to the gun, and it runs out of bullets. The guy steps to the side of the gun, pulls his pistol, and fires point-blank at Superman’s eye. He stares him down with zero fear as the bullet approaches his eye. It crushes against his eye and does zero damage to him. Easily my favorite scene in the movie.

He is physically invincible, but it contrasts with his emotional unavailability. That unavailability is not just as Superman, it is as Clark Kent as well. He never gets to tell anyone anything real about his life because it would expose him as Superman. The sudden shift from the emotional rock bottom of hearing Lois say she doesn’t love him to the bullet bouncing off his eye is what makes Superman human.

“I’M ALWAYS AROUND.”

Lois is leaving the Daily Planet and drops her bag. As Clark reaches down to help her pick up the stuff, his glasses fall off. There is a brief moment of questioning whether he should show himself to her without them on. Then he slips them back on before she can see. Now we see the scale of how much this whole thing has been bothering Clark. He knows he can just show her he is Superman and tell her everything. But it is not that simple.

Instead, he meets her on the roof as Superman. Lois is upset, and Superman wants an interview. This is Lois’ chance to clear the air.

Lois: Well, you’re back, and everyone seems to be pretty happy about it.

Superman: Not everyone. I read the article, Lois.

Lois: Yeah, so did a lot of people. (Ok, Lois, flexing on Superman, let’s go, that is baller) Tomorrow night, they’re giving me the Pulitzer…

Superman: Why did you write it?

Lois: How could you leave us like that? I moved on. So did the rest of us. That’s why I wrote it. The world doesn’t need a savior… and neither do I.

Before Superman lifts them up into the sky, Lois makes sure to drop in a little fact that Richard is a pilot, and she flies all the time with him.

Superman: Not like this.

Lois has not moved on, just as I suspected. She is still in love with him, and she looks on with that exact look in her eyes. They go for a flight together. He is trying to let her in, to shrink the distance between them.

…

Superman: I’m sorry I left you, Lois.

She may as well go dump Richard now. It is more inevitable than Thanos. They even fly past her house, nice move, Superman. That was slick. I honestly didn’t know he had that kind of game. Game of Steel.

As they return to the Daily Planet, Lois is practically kissing him. As she is about to kiss him, she pulls back because “Richard is a good man,” whatever.

Lois: So, will I see you around?

Superman: I’m always around. Goodnight, Lois.

Superman flies away above the Daily Planet globe. This moment was captivating. The whole scene had a very magical feel. The glowing light from the globe, the starry night, Lois watching on as he flies away, a moment of pure wonder as to how this man is so super.

MISSING CRYSTALS

Superman heads to the Fortress. He walks in scathing because he sees missing crystals. He knows someone has been there. That someone is Lex Luthor.

Back at the Planet, Lois is working hard and wearing glasses. There is some connection with Clark and Lois’ glasses. She wears glasses when pretending that Superman doesn’t mean anything to her, that she isn’t hurt. She is hiding her emotions with the glasses. Whereas Clark hides his entire identity as Superman with his.

LOIS VS LEX

She heads to Lex Luthor’s boat with her son, Jason. Turns out Lex is not going to be a kind host, who could have ever seen that coming? Man, not me, not me at all. Lex is no daisy at all.

He tells Lois his plans to use the stolen Fortress of Solitude crystals to make a new piece of land that sinks the rest of the world.

Lex Luthor: …Let me hear it just once, please?

Lois Lane: Superman will nev…

Lex Luthor: WRONG!!!

Lex, you’ve got some serious issues, dude.

He begins building his new land by launching the crystal into the sea. Meanwhile, Lois tries to escape, and Jason launches a piano at one of Lex’s goons. Jason is a lil Superman, it turns out.

WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

The seafloor starts cracking towards Metropolis as Lex’s plans begin to take effect. Metropolis rumbles as the breaking ground meets the city. The Daily Planet globe is falling off the building, and Superman catches it. He slowly lowers it above his head as the crowd around him applauds. This moment is symbolic of the entire scene and movie.

Superman holds an entire Globe above himself. It symbolizes that Superman has the weight of the world on his shoulders now more than ever. The weight to win this fight, to get Lois to forgive him, to be the superhero the world needs again. But more than all, the world is above him because Superman values other people more than anything.

As this is happening, Lois and her family are sinking in the Luthor boat. Lois is the Spin Doctors here, she has “One, two, princes kneel before you. That’s what I said now.” So how ‘bout one of them dudes saves her family from the boat she is sinking in? Superman finds them and carries an entire half of a ship out of the water like it’s nothing.

Superman returns Lois and her family to their plane and sends them off into the air. He then heads to the battle against Lex, fuming with anger. He knows exactly what Lex has done. You steal his crystal, you call down the thunder.

Wyatt Earp (Tombstone): You called down the Thunder, well now you got it!

SUPERMAN VS LEX

The face-off between Lex and Superman begins. He towers over him.

Superman: You have something that belongs to me.

The shot is a close-up of Superman’s face as a stream of sweat falls down his forehead. Then Lex punches him, and it lands. He is using Kryptonite to get to him.

Lois convinces Richard to turn around. Superman is wounded, vulnerable, and angry. But there is not much he can do about it. Lex approaches and stabs Superman with a kryptonite shard.

Lex: Now fly.

Superman gets up and looks him face-to-face just before he runs out of gas and stumbles into the ocean from the wound. I love how he thinks he is so cool because he found one single weakness in Superman. Like, ok Lex, how about we talk about your infinite weaknesses. Man, that guy is irritating.

Malcolm Wallace (Braveheart): I know you can fight. But it's our wits that make us men.

Clark has the wits. Clark has the fight. He will be back.

…

Lois is back, and she jumps into the water to save him. His cape is the only thing left on the screen until Lois’ hand grabs it. This moment goes back to my point earlier:

The nod to earlier highlights that distance again. But this time, Lois was saving him. She was forgiving him; she was holding him up this time. She knew if she left and didn’t come back, she would be as good as he was when he left her to go to Krypton. She grabs him by the cape. By doing so she lets go of her anger towards him. They rise to the surface. Lois Lane saved Superman. Now that is baller.

She and Richard get Superman onto the plane, and he tries to get them airborne. It is just too choppy for him to fly; he can’t get any momentum. And then we have liftoff, nice piloting, Richard!

Hangman (Top Gun: Maverick): Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, this is your savior speaking. Please, fasten your seat belts, return the tray tables to their locked and upright positions and prepare for landing.

Superman is wounded, and Lois attends to him. She pulls out the massive shard of Kryptonite and throws it out of the plane.

Superman: How did you find me? (looks at Jason) Thank you. (opens the door to leave the plane)

Lois: What are you doing?

Superman: I have to go back.

What are you, Al Templeton in 11.22.63? Just stay!

Lois: You’re hurt.

Superman: Goodbye, Lois.

He flies up into the sky above the clouds and soaks up the yellow sun. He’s like a model sunbathing in the sky.

…

Rumbling starts back on Lex’s island, and he realizes he needs to leave. He tries to get away on his helicopter. As the engine starts and the blades start spinning, his lady friend throws the crystals off the chopper.

Lex looks on at his idiotic creation as they fly away. The land begins rising above the water. Underneath it is one man. Superman is carrying an entire island up into the sky. The Superman theme plays again. Kryptonite lines the island, but this time, nothing is standing in his way. His wits are too strong. He reaches space and lets go. It begins to float away, and Superman passes out, fading back down to earth.

This time, his cape doesn’t flow behind him. When his cape stands still behind him, it represents the distance between his mission and what it will take to get there. This time, his cape is against him and by his sides, waving in the wind. It represents him finding himself again. The cape is moving, he is returning to form. The cape is a major symbol for him that represents his journey to returning as Superman. The cape is no longer stagnant in space; it flows with him, and he is finding his place again.

…

Doctors do their best to help him. They give him oxygen. They take out shards of Kryptonite from him. But they are unable to do anything else; his body is too strong for any other treatment to work. So they begin trying to resuscitate him. Sparks fly, the screen flashes to black, flames burst, and he flatlines. Everyone looks on as this seemingly perfect man lies there.

A large crowd gathers at the hospital and shows its support for Superman. Lois and Jason head inside to be there for him. She arrives at his room. It is silent. He lies there as Lois approaches. He has a heartbeat. Thank goodness he is still alive!

Ward Cameron (Outer Banks), if he was there: Superman is… (whispering) alive.

Lois: I don’t know if you can hear me. They say, sometimes that when people are… that sometimes they can hear you. (whispering ) I don’t know if you can hear me.

The screen goes to a close-up of Superman’s face in a peaceful sleep. He doesn’t look injured, he can’t be, he is Superman. Lois leaves, but not before dropping a line in his ear that we couldn’t hear.

…

A nurse arrives to find Superman gone. The scene fades from the calm night in Metropolis to Lois Lane at her home computer. She is writing something entitled: “Why the World Needs Superman.”

She has a heavy heart, teary eyes, and can’t find the words to write. As a tear falls down her face. She takes off the glasses; the glasses hide the fact that she needs him. She steps away, zero words written.

Superman is there to see his son, Jason, and to give him some fatherly Kryptonian wisdom.

Superman: You will be different. Sometimes you’ll feel like an outcast, but you’ll never be alone. You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life… will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father… and the father becomes the son.

Outside, Lois is taking a break to get some air. She wipes a tear from her eye, then hears Jason yell goodnight out the window and realizes it wasn’t to her. She looks out into the sky and sees Superman floating in front of her.

Lois: (gasps) I… (exhales) Will we see you? Around?

Superman: I’m always around. Good night, Lois.

They share a moment of eye contact full of love and appreciation. As he flies away, Lois is relieved and happy to have her superhero back.

The cost of an empty sky was everything for both Superman and Lois. The cost of going to Krypton was more than Superman could have ever imagined. Lois needed time. She needed time to rebuild trust in him, to believe that he was here to stay this time. His impact was back in her life in many ways; she forgives him for leaving. He made things right with the one he cares for most.

Superman flies through Metropolis, into the sky, to clouds, and towards the yellow sun as the Superman theme plays. This time, as he reaches space, he looks happy and content. His cape follows him closely, parallel to his body. Flowing in the wind, free, unrestricted movement. This is the most stable he has been since he arrived back on Earth. Superman Returns.

Favorite character: Superman

The character I’d hang out with: Lois Lane

The Hankin (an actor who seems to be in everything): Marlon Brando as Jor-El

Best quote:

Superman: I’m always around. Goodnight, Lois.

Most baller quote:

Lois: Yeah, so did a lot of people. Tomorrow night, they’re giving me the Pulitzer…

Letterboxd rating: 5/5 stars

I hope you enjoyed, I post rankings and character spotlights…

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 6 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite shows and movies. Today we are looking at the greatest movie character ever, Doc Holliday in Tombstone.

Val Kilmer takes on the role of Doc, which is as good a character can get. The legendary western featured a star-studded cast, but Kilmer stood out above all. Every scene with him is notable. Every line he says is with pure intention. The brilliance of Kilmer shines through his greatest role. This is how Doc used swagger, intimidation, and straight coolness to make his mark in the city of Tombstone.

INTRODUCTION

Wyatt Earp and his brothers have just arrived in Tombstone, and Wyatt asks Virgil if he has seen anything of Doc while he was in Prescott.

Wyatt: I miss Doc. I miss that old rip.

Virgil: I don’t

Wyatt: He makes me laugh.

…

Subtle coughing, and a coin flipping through the fingers of a man. The screen pans up and the powerful presence of Val Kilmer lights up the screen.

Doc: 500. Must be a peach of a hand.

His face radiates a subtle confidence, but his presence isn’t overbearing. It’s not the intimidation that comes from being physically imposing. It is an intimidation that lives off his reputation and a lack of respect for those he doesn’t like.

Doc: Why, Ed Bailey, are we cross?

Ed: Them guns don’t scare me. ‘Cause without them guns, you ain’t nothin’ but a skinny lunger.

Doc: Ed, what an ugly thing to say. I abhor ugliness. Does this mean we’re not friends anymore? You know, Ed, if I thought you weren’t my friend, I just don’t think I could bear it.

That character introduction is as good as it gets.

Doc: I calculate that’s the end of this town.

WYATT, I AM ROLLING

The lethal, unmatched swagger of Doc causes an angry Johnny Tyler to stop and stare in awe of Doc. This is the first scene where the Earp brothers and Doc are together in the movie. They pick right back up where they left off. Doc is happy to see the brothers. Despite his whole vibe, Doc is actually a nice guy. But only if he likes you.

Doc: WHY, JOHNNY TYLER! You madcap!

Johnny: Doc?

Doc: Where you goin’ with that shotgun?

Johnny: I didn’t know you was back in town.

Wyatt: Well, well. How the hell are you?

Doc: Wyatt, I am rolling.

…

Doc: Oh, Johnny, I apologize, I forgot you were there. You may go now.

Wyatt: Just leave that shotgun. Leave it.

Johnny: Thank you.

The subtle detail that is easy to miss is Doc laughing as Johnny drops the shotgun. It is the best part of the scene. It was so funny that even Val couldn’t keep a straight face. You can just tell he had a hard time not breaking character there.

I’M IN MY PRIME

The Oriental Saloon is now 25% owned by Wyatt Earp and his brothers.

Doc: I stand corrected, Wyatt. You’re an oak.

In walks Johnny Ringo, Curly Bill, and Ike Clanton. They start giving Wyatt a hard time and trying to mark their territory. Doc quietly observes. That is the deadliest part of Doc’s character. He is quiet, but he is as confident as anyone. That quietness reflects a deep sense of security in himself. He speaks when necessary. As the attention shifts off of Wyatt, Ringo looks to the side and sees Doc standing there.

Ringo: You must be Doc Holliday.

Doc: That’s the rumor.

Ringo: You retired too?

Doc: Not me. I’m in my prime.

Ringo: Yeah, you look it.

Doc: You must be Ringo. Look, darlin’, Johnny Ringo, the deadliest pistoleer since Wild Bill, they say. What do you think, darlin’, should I hate him?

Kate: You don’t even know him.

Doc: No. That’s true, but… I don’t know, there’s just somethin’ about him. Somethin’ ‘round the eyes. I don’t know. Reminds me of… Me. No, I’m sure of it, I hate him.

…

Doc: That’s Latin, darlin’. Evidently, Mr Ringo’s an educated man. Now I really hate him.

Here is where the real flair of Doc begins. As Ringo draws his pistol in an attempt to intimidate him, Doc doesn’t even flinch. He looks like he has been drawn on a thousand times before. If you want to scare Doc, it will take much more. More of what, though? I am unsure, but something.

Curly Bill: Watch it, Johnny. I hear he’s real fast.

There it is, the legend of Doc. That is a good reason to be intimidated by him. He can outdraw anyone, so why confront him at all? If one man could face-off against Doc, it was the equally crazy Johnny Ringo.

Ringo pulls his gun on Doc. When he doesn’t flinch, he begins the iconic gun-spinning routine. A quite impressive display, but there were two unimpressed guys at the saloon: Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Doc then does one of the most baller moves in movie history. To show up Ringo, he finished his drink, and begins spinning his cup, mocking Ringo’s whole routine. He impressed the crowd just as much as Ringo, if not more. He showed the outlaws, as well as Ringo, that he does not get scared. He showed him that his entire persona, his whole fear factor does not work on him. In fact, Doc thinks it is completely unimpressive and ridiculous. He shows that with the irony of the cup spinning. He thinks, neat, are you done yet? Then uses a tiny cup to show that his routine is just another day in the west for Doc.

That scene added to the mystery that is Doc Holliday. No one knows much about him, he is very hard to read, he doesn’t make any mistakes, never misspeaks, he is always ice cold. Just like Val Kilmer's Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, he makes moves with intention.

SPELLING CONTEST

Billy Clanton: You’re so drunk, you can’t hit nothin’. In fact, you’re probably seein’ double.

Doc: I have two guns, one for each of ya.

That line should have scared the outlaws. Doc isn’t even hesitant to fight drunk. Billy Clanton realizes that Doc ain’t bluffin’ either. They mess with Wyatt, so they mess with Doc. If anyone could hit a target drunk, it was Doc Holliday.

Even in his poor health, Doc is out gambling and playing cards. Wyatt arrives to a concerned Morgan. He tells him that Doc has been at it for 36 hours straight. That is the part of Doc that makes him so scary. He never sleeps, he never shows any signs of stopping, but he looks very sick.

Ike: What is that now? That 12 hands in a row, Holliday? Son of a b***h, nobody’s that lucky.

Doc: Why, Ike, whatever do you mean?

Virgil: Take it easy, boys.

Doc: Maybe poker’s just not your game, Ike. I know, let’s have a spelling contest.

Doc has been enjoying life to the fullest even in his condition. He loves making a fool of outlaws like Ike. I love how the spelling contest line is delivered. He says it with so much joy because he knows exactly how irritated he is about to get. If you watch the scene, focus on Doc the whole time, his face, the laughter, it is hilarious.

Unfortunately, Morgan is right, Doc collapses and has to be carried home by Wyatt and Morgan. Let’s just say Ike is not feeling too sorry for him.

Ike: What’s wrong with him?

Milt Joyce: Lunger.

Ike: Yeah, well, I hope you die.

This is the profound impact Doc is having on the outlaws. They absolutely hate him, but they can’t do anything about it. Doc is living off of this reputation of being a skilled gunfighter who has nothing to lose. He also loves it; he loves being Doc Holliday.

STREET HOWITZER

Ike threatens the Earp brothers, and they aren’t expecting Doc to fight with them, given his recent collapse. But he shows up anyway.

Wyatt: It’s not your problem, Doc. You don’t have to mix up in this.

Doc looks appalled to hear this.

Doc: That is a hell of a thing for you to say to me.

Doc looks at Wyatt in disgust for not realizing that his fight would always be Doc’s fight too. They are friends. Friends back each other play, just like brothers. Doc goes to stand next to Virgil and Morgan as Wyatt thinks.

Wyatt: All right, Virg. Your call. Give Doc the shotgun.

(Doc smiles)

They’ll be less apt to get nervy if he’s on the street howitzer.

This scene shows the respect Wyatt has for Doc and his gun skills. You can see the subtle smile on Doc’s face once he realizes that Wyatt respects him. Doc is a feared gunman, and he loves that everyone knows it. He appreciates that Wyatt respects that part of him.

As the four walk to the fight, Doc has this extreme casualness. A building is on fire behind them, everyone is scared in the town. But Doc just whistles and walks like he’s heading to lunch. He walks with command of the street, no fear, no worries. In fact, he is almost unreadable. You can’t even tell what he feels. He just doesn’t look like he cares at all. His whistling is the clear sign that Doc does not feel one bit of fear. As they get closer, the look on his face shifts to a look of readiness to fight.

The guys are facing off against the outlaws. Billy Clanton and Doc face off again. Billy looks terrified, not because of the fight that is about to happen, but because of the smirk on Doc’s face. It is a smirk which tells a whole story. Doc loves fighting, he is good at it. He loves to intimidate, and he knows he is about to smoke Billy. He didn’t forget the things he said about him in the street earlier in the movie. He is happy to finish what the outlaws started.

The screen goes to Billy again, and Doc looks at him and winks. That is not what you want to see. Doc fires all his shotgun rounds, then switches to a pistol in each hand, showing off his elite gun skills. As he approaches the last guy in the area, Doc tries to fire, but has no bullets left in that gun. But he didn’t care, he just wanted to mess with Frank.

Frank McLaury: I got you now, you son of a b***h.

Doc: You’re a daisy if you do!

Not only is Doc messing with this guy, but he also puts out his arms, making it seem like he is giving him the shot. That is full unwavering badass behavior that only a legend could pull off. He looks Frank in the eyes. He has a gun pointed at Doc, but Doc doesn’t care, he knows he has him regardless of how many bullets are in his gun. He has to show off a little. Doc flips his arm over and shoots Frank, quickly after Morgan heads shots him and they win the fight, for now.

THAT’S JUST MY GAME

Doc is at the barbershop. He is outside just minding his business in the chair. He watches as the outlaws confront Wyatt. Doc isn’t worried; he is stretched out in the chair, legs crossed, fully relaxed.

Wyatt: I don’t want any more trouble.

Ringo: Well, ya got trouble!

Ringo is pissed, but none of the Earp brothers are going to fight him. Good thing there is one guy crazy enough to fight him.

Ringo: You wretched slugs! Don’t any of ya have the guts to play for blood?

Doc reveals himself to Ringo. He walks into the street, one gun behind his back, one in the holster. He looks on with complete assurance that he can handle the situation with ease.

Doc: I’m your huckleberry. That’s just my game.

Ringo: All right, lunger. You go to hell. I’ll put you out of your misery.

Doc: Say when!

His flair and charisma were on full display here. There is no character in the history of movies who has walked with so much effortless swagger. Doc walks like he owns Tombstone. He knows that nobody can outdraw him. He is the quickest draw in town. That is the type of thing that can have you strutting instead of walking.

WYATT EARP IS MY FRIEND

Guns are blazing, horses galloping, and the guys are fighting the outlaws and ready to end it. They win the battle at the creek. This battle marked the demise of Curly Bill.

After the fight, Doc rests by the creek, very sick and coughing, but satisfied by the win. Turkey Creek Jack Johnson asks why he is even here and not in bed.

Doc: Wyatt Earp is my friend.

Turkey Creek Jack Johnson: Hell, I got lots of friends.

Doc: I don’t.

That is the motivation. The most important thing to Doc is his friend Wyatt. He doesn’t have a lot of friends, but he does have him. And he surely will never stand by and watch him fight alone. He backs him like a brother. When the two of them are together, they are unstoppable.

I’M YOUR HUCKLEBERRY

Doc collapsed on his horse and was resting at the Hooker Ranch. He tells Wyatt he is sorry because he can’t get out and help him right now; he is just too sick. He asks him what it is like to wear a badge. Wyatt gives him his. This small gesture represents their friendship and what it meant to Wyatt that Doc was always by his side. They know this could be the last time they see each other. As Wyatt leaves, Doc is inside with a tear falling down his face.

Between some trees, Johnny Ringo sees a figure walking up. He thinks it is Wyatt.

Ringo: I didn’t think ya had it in you.

It is Doc. He is using all his strength and will to end this fight for Wyatt.

Doc: I’m your huckleberry.

Johnny stares in disbelief and confusion, wondering why it’s Doc and not Wyatt.

Doc: Why, Johnny Ringo, you look like somebody just walked over your grave.

Ringo: Fight’s not with you, Holliday.

That is where he is mistaken. His fight is with Wyatt, yes, but therefore, his fight is also with Doc. That quote says it all. Ringo looks like someone just walked over his grave, that fear and realization that it was Doc is powerful. Ringo knows he is toast.

Doc: I beg to differ, sir. We started a game we never got to finish. Play for blood, remember?

Ringo: I was just foolin’ about.

Doc: I wasn’t. And this time it’s legal.

Ringo: All right, lunger. Let’s do it.

Doc: Say when.

Then Doc finishes what they all started, he takes out Ringo with one single bullet square to the forehead. Doc Holliday was always the favorite to win that fight. He is too good to lose. There was never a doubt in my mind that he would take out Ringo and finish what they started.

Doc: Come on. Come on! Oh, Johnny. Come on! You’re no daisy, you’re no daisy at all! Poor soul. You were just too high-strung.

Wyatt heard the shots and ran to the scene. As he sees Doc, he is shocked to see him up. He is shocked to see what Doc just did for him.

Doc: I’m afraid the strain was more than he could bear.

…

Oh, I wasn’t quite as sick as I made out.

Wyatt is just so baffled to see Doc up and about. He checks out Johnny’s body and sees the badge on his chest that Doc put there.

Doc: My hypocrisy goes only so far.

Wyatt: All right. Let’s finish it.

Doc: Indeed, sir. The last charge of Wyatt Earp and his immortals.

Doc never is in danger, even against a fully healthy and prepared Johnny Ringo. Moments before that fight we saw Doc in bed, barely able to move. Then he takes out the most feared outlaw in Tombstone. That is the self confidence and swag that leads Doc into being the greatest movie character ever. The iconic huckleberry line lives on forever. That line defines Doc. The outlaws want a fight, they want to call down the thunder, well now they got it. You call down the thunder against Wyatt and you better believe Doc is the lightning.

TO THE HILT

Doc: Damn you. You’re the most fallible, stubborn, self-deluded, bull-headed man I’ve ever known in my entire life. Yet withal, you’re the only human being in my entire life who ever gave me hope.

The fight is won, and Doc is in a hospital dying. The saddest moment in the movie. This scene is elite acting from Val Kilmer. Doc tells Wyatt that he is dying, and he didn’t want him to come back and see him. Wyatt tries to make him feel normal by playing cards and being there for him, but Doc doesn’t want to play cards. He just wanted to lie there in peace, to have one last moment with his friend.

Doc: What did you want?

Wyatt: Just to live a normal life.

Doc: There’s no normal life, Wyatt. There’s just life. Now get on with it.

Wyatt: Don’t know how.

Doc: Sure you do. Say goodbye to me. Go grab that spirited actress and make her your own. Take that beauty and run, and don’t look back. Live every second. Live right up to the hilt. Live, Wyatt. Live for me. Wyatt, if you ever were my friend, if you ever had even the slightest feelin’ for me, leave now. Leave now. Please?

Wyatt: Thanks for always bein’ there, Doc.

As Wyatt walks away, Doc cries in sadness for the moments he knows are lost. For the last time he will ever see his friend. Doc takes his last breath and passes away seconds after Wyatt leaves.

That final moment tells you everything you need to know about Doc. His friend, Wyatt Earp, was there by his side because their brotherhood meant everything to him. A brotherhood that made an impact on both of their lives up to the hilt.

Doc Holliday changed Wyatt’s life. He was always there for him to fight by his side. Val Kilmer was phenomenal in this movie. This is the greatest movie acting performance, and the greatest movie character of all time.

Best moment: The cup-twirling scene

Best quote: “I’m your huckleberry.”

Other great Doc Holliday quotes:

Doc: Forgive me if I don’t shake hands.

Doc: Sheriff, may I present a pair of fellow sophisticates.

Doc: Very cosmopolitan.

Doc: An enchanted moment.

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Friends is considered one of the greatest TV shows ever. That is due to an elite ensemble of Chandler Bing, Joey Tribbiani, Ross and Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, and Rachel Green. But don’t forget about these 10 great guest stars whose characters stole entire episodes.

10. Hank Azaria as David

David is a scientist. He is a bit nerdy, very different, but very good to Phoebe. Besides the fact that he left her to do some science thing in Minsk. Here is the dilemma: stay in NYC with the girl of your dreams or go to Minsk and hang out with some dude 24/7. Yeah, David, that was a tough call, see I can totally see the dilemma. Once he finally realized that was a dumb idea, he came back and it was too late, Phoebe had found someone else.

9. Christina Applegate as Amy Green

Amy Green is essentially just what Rachel would have been had she stayed on her previous trajectory. I think she is sort of the post-season Rachel. Rachel is opening day, Jill is mid-season form Rachel, and Amy is post-season.

As the second sister to the iconic Rachel, Amy made her mark by being a little too rich and spoiled for anyone’s liking. My favorite thing about her character was when she was convinced that Ross Geller was a falafel salesman she had just seen.

8. Bruce Willis as Paul Stevens

Paul: You know why? Because you’re a... neat guy.

Here is the situation: Ross is dating Elizabeth Stevens, Paul’s daughter. Then, Rachel and Paul start dating. Paul hates Ross.

Paul’s best episode was “The One Where Paul's The Man”.

Ross and Elizabeth head to her family cabin. They hope to have a nice romantic getaway together. Turns out Paul had the same idea, he takes Rachel there. As the two of them arrive and begin settling in, Ross comes out of hiding to tell Rachel the situation. He goes to hide in a bedroom. As Ross is hiding in the bedroom, Paul comes in. He looks in a mirror and starts hyping himself up, calling himself a neat guy, and telling himself he is the man. Ross hears everything that he said and uses it to get Paul on his good side when Paul finally sees Ross and Elizabeth there as well.

Ross: I’m just a neat guy.

Paul: What?

Ross: I mean, I'm just a guy... who is neat. And data, you know, I do data. I'm a... machine. I too... am a neat guy.

7. Elliott Gould as Jack Geller

I'm not going to tell you what they spent on that wedding, but $40,000 is a lot of money.

Jack is a rather odd man. He is the father of Monica and Ross. There is just something about him that is hilarious. The way he talks in a rather loud, brutally honest, filterless dad kind of way is perfect. Elliott Gould was awesome and unlike many of these other guest stars, he got to appear in every season.

6. Giovanni Ribisi as Frank Buffay Jr

Frank Jr: Yeah, you can melt art. Hey, can I use your phone?
Phoebe: Um, yeah sure. Why? You wanna call your Mom?
Frank Jr: No, I wanna melt it.

As the half-brother to Phoebe and never-ending ball of energy, Frank Buffay Jr is unforgettable.

Giovanni Ribisi is probably the funniest non Friend (not Monica, Joey, Ross, Phoebe, Chandler, or Rachel). He bounces off the walls like a dude hopped up on candy in every scene. He looks like he has seen everything in his young life. He loves to melt things, he loves his family, but more than that, he is just a little nuts, and that’s ok.

5. Reese Witherspoon as Jill Green

Jill is Rachel had she not left her parents’ money to live in NYC with Monica. Jill and Rachel enjoy some friendly sister competition and that did end up involving the Ross-a-tron, Ross Geller. My favorite part of her character was when she first showed up and Rachel introduces her to the friends, and Joey walks up and says:

How you doin?

4. Paul Rudd as Mike Hannigan

If you need help remembering it, just think of a bag of crap.

Crap Bag, more commonly known as Mike Hannigan, was the best thing that ever happened to Phoebe Buffay. Mike and Phoebe’s wedding is a great episode and one that sees Phoebe at her happiest.

My favorite episode with him is when Ross and Mike hang out and they can’t think of a single thing to say to each other so they just sit in silence. It perfectly highlights the awkward distance that Mike had with the friends regardless of his relationship with Phoebe.

3. Larry Hankin as Mr. Heckles

THE HANKIN! Larry Hankin, a man so iconic and in so many great shows and movies that he got his own category on 7AM. Mr. Heckles was a character that hated noise, loved bananas… he could have a monkey, and he was not ready for his waffle yet.

2. Tom Selleck as Dr. Richard Burke

Before Chandler, there was the iconic Tom Selleck as Dr. Richard Burke. My favorite storyline regarding Richard is “The One Where Old Yeller Dies”. In the episode Joey and Chandler have an extra ticket to the New York Knicks game. Monica Geller suggests the guys take Richard, they decide to take him, but with one condition:

Joey Tribbiani: We'll bring him, but only if he takes the Jaguar.

Turns out the guys really like hanging with Richard. Later that episode, Joey is standing with a cigar in his mouth trying to look more like Richard. Then my favorite part: Chandler walks in with a mustache and a hilarious look on his face. The guys wanted to be more like him and it was gold.

1. Brad Pitt as Will Colbert

Co-founder of the I hate Rachel Green Club. This guest-starring role for Brad Pitt was hilarious. The Thanksgiving scene begins with Ross and Will catching up. Then Rachel walks in. Will instantly shifts into a look of hatred.

Will: (Scowling) Rachel Green.

Ross: Oh, oh, that’s right. Are you, are you gonna be okay?

Will: Oh, I’ll be fine. It’s just… God, I hate her, Ross. I hate her. (crushes the flowers on the wall)

That scene makes me laugh every time. Pitt is so hilarious in it. As Rachel sees Will, she is excited because she thinks he looks great, but she doesn’t remember him.

Rachel: Wow! Really got that sexy smoldering thing going on. Oh, my god. He’s… Look at the way he’s just staring at me. I think he’s trying to mouth something at me but I can’t make it out.

Will: (mouthing) I. HATE. YOU.

Monica: Okay, dinner’s ready.

What a great scene. Pitt is outstanding. The greatest guest star in Friends’ history.

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 5 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite shows and movies. Today we are looking at Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and specifically Jessica Alba as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman. If you missed the previous Episode: The Storm: How the 2005 Fantastic Four mastered the hero’s internal struggle, you should check it out to get some more context for this one.

Fantastic Four is one of my favorite movies I have seen in the last few months. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the sequel. Maybe a downgrade in quality, rushed out, etc.

Vincent Chase (Entourage): They’re just rushing this thing out!

To my surprise, the character development and story were pretty good. Definitely not quite as good as the first, but a respectable 3/5 star movie.

The sequel picks up with the hype of The Fantastic Couple’s wedding looming large over the four.

Reed Richards: No. We’re not postponing anything. Not this time. This is gonna be the wedding you always dreamed of. And I’m not gonna let anything get in the way of that.

Sue Storm, his fiancée, is getting anxious; they have had to postpone this wedding several times. You can clearly tell this means everything to her. Sue just looks different in this movie compared to the last. She looks like a woman in love. She looks gentler and kinder. She is glowing.

The crew is traveling and finds out they got coach seats.

Johnny Storm: What do you guys think about trying to get an endorsement from an airline? Get us a private jet.

Sue: I think we have enough endorsement deals.

Johnny: Hahaha. That is funny.

Again, there is just something different about Sue. Her presence and the way she carries herself are different. She has this look in her eyes during this moment that shows a humbleness to her character that the other three lack. She also feels impending doom about her wedding probably being postponed again. She just wants to get married.

Johnny says he doesn’t fly coach and leaves the plane. Sue sits in coach without a single complaint or comment. The Thing, crammed in the middle seat, looks out the window and sees Human Torch flying outside, mocking him.

The Thing: (Closes the window) I hope it rains.

The team lands back at home, where Reed Richards is researching and working as usual. He is distracted and not listening to Sue. She has this thousand-mile stare that beams with all her worries.

Sue: There’s just too much to do.

Reed: Hey, don’t worry about it. I’m sure, between the two of us, we’ll get it all done.

Sue seems to sense that this wedding is not quite as important to Reed. She wants this to be his number one priority. Despite what he says, she knows it is not. He is a scientist who is working around the clock.

Johnny: You know what I think Sue would have a problem with? If somebody told her that you were actually investigating global disturbances, and cosmic radiation instead of actually focusing on the wedding, like you promised.

Reed: A bachelor party could be fun.

Johnny: Yes!

Johnny, being the good brother he is to Sue, makes sure his sister is being taken care of and appreciated. The bachelor party is on.

Reed is at his bachelor party. Meanwhile, Sue gets confronted by some military men and takes them to Reed. He is at the club dancing, showing off, stretching his body to great lengths, and in the company of some female dancers. And at a horrible time, Sue walks in to see him.

General Hager: There he is.

Sue: Yes. Unfortunately… for him.

Sue is not happy. She clearly feels a little betrayed by this situation. She doesn’t understand how he could be doing this after all they just talked about. General Hager informs the four about the Silver Surfer situation, and asks them to help. Specifically, he asks Reed to build a sensor.

Reed: I’m afraid I can't.

(Sue looks on with shock and surprise hearing that)

General Hager: What?

Reed: You see, I’m getting married this Saturday. I just don’t have the time.

Sue is so happy to see her man finally stand by her side. He shows her that getting married is important to him. Sue genuinely can’t believe he turned down a science project. Little did she know, he didn't. Turns out Reed is building the sensor anyway, come on, dude.

Johnny: Hahaha. If Sue finds out about that thing you’re going to get an invisible kick in the nuts.

On the day of the wedding, press are covering the streets outside the venue. An extravagant wedding on a rooftop full of wealthy and elite guests. Inside, Sue looks troubled. She questions the whole thing. Is this really a good idea? Should she have a family someday with this crazy life of being a superhero?

Alicia Masters: Do you love Reed?

Sue: More than I’ve ever loved anyone.

Alicia: Then you have nothing to worry about.

Then Sue sees a zit on her forehead. She concentrates on it to make it invisible, and she will be doing so for the next several hours of the wedding. As Sue gets ready for the biggest day of her life, Reed is finishing the sensor an hour before the big moment. What is wrong with this dude? YOU’RE ABOUT TO MARRY JESSICA ALBA. Get it together!

A radiant Sue is in her dress and ready for the big moment. She and Johnny share a moment alone, and he tells her how beautiful she looks. The most sincere Johnny has ever been.

The wedding begins. Sue walks down the aisle, Reed’s gadget goes off from the sensor he just built. That alerts him to the fact that the Silver Surfer is near. Ever heard of silent mode? It rings again, this time he looks at it and asks if they can make the wedding go a little quicker.

He asks the guy officiating the wedding to skip till the end, and Sue is very embarrassed by this. The look in the photo above on Sue’s face is exactly the gentle grace I have been describing. She is upset, but it is still just generally a nice look on her face. She rarely gets upset. Even in that moment when Reed wanted to speed up the wedding, she just wanted get married. Notice how prominent her eyes are.

The Silver Surfer arrives and destroys the wedding. The wedding is postponed once again. Sue is devastated. She sits down, head in hands, and cries for the moment lost. She also cries for the moments she knows she may never have: a real wedding, a normal life. She knows things will never be normal with her and Reed.

Later on, Sue forgives Reed for building the sensor. She knows it had to be done after seeing the destruction the Surfer can cause.

Reed: I know. But once we are married, everything will be back to normal.

Sue: We will never have normal lives as long as we do what we do. How can we possibly raise a family like this?

A look of pure sadness washes over Sue’s face. Her eyes are clearly highlighted. They are blue, bold, and tell you how she feels inside.

Random guy (Elf): Your eyes tell the story. That’s what I love about you.

There is just a disconnect with Reed. He gets it, but he doesn’t get it. I don’t understand this guy. Does he not realize it is Jessica Alba? It is JESSICA ALBA. Here is an idea: tell her that the wedding is important to you, make it actually happen, and be the husband she wants.

The conversation doesn’t stop there. Johnny is having an issue due to the Silver Surfer, which causes him to change powers with anyone he touches. Sue was turned into a flame, and Johnny went invisible, their powers were reversed. Sounds ok until Sue switches back to invisible, clothes burnt off, and suddenly reappears naked in front of the press. She watches the news about that and feels immense embarrassment.

Sue: I can’t ignore it Reed, there’s no getting away from it.

Reed: I believe there is.

Sue: How? See, no answer.

Reed: Yes there is. What if, after this crisis is over, we leave it all behind?

Reed tells her his idea to leave it all behind, raise a family, be normal. The screen is now a close-up shot of Sue, who is pleasantly surprise to hear this idea. Her eyes are the focal point of the shot. They have a look of love and relief.

Sue: You would do that?

Now that is a plan, Reed. Took you almost 40 minutes of the movie to get there, but good job.

Rockhound (Armageddon): Good job!

HER EYES TELL THE STORY

When Sue has the prospect of getting married, her eyes are bright, full, and she has no glasses. As the Silver Surfer rises up and the wedding is postponed again, she wears glasses and looks less excited. As the final battle nears, the wedding is postponed with no date in sight. Sue wears her glasses, it highlights that there is something preventing her from being happy and who she is. You can see in the photo above she doesn’t quite have that same glow that she does in the other scenes. She is still stunning, but in a different way. Her eyes are hidden behind those glasses, hiding the key to her whole human superpower.

The glasses come off again as the team fights the Silver Surfer; this time, her eyes help her to reason with the enemy in a calm, kind, and gracious way. She reasons with the Silver Surfer face-to-face. Her eyes are so clear again. They highlight a goodness in her. She has the humanity and kindness to reason with a seemingly unreasonable enemy.

The kindness emanates from her eyes when she has love and hope in her life. Those moments are when Reed is there for her, when Johnny tells her she is beautiful, when the wedding is supposed to be happening. It is there when she has to be the member of the Fantastic Four with empathy. Humanity is her biggest superpower.

THE FINAL BATTLE

The Surfer is down on the ground and not moving, Sue kneels over him and looks on in sadness, her eyes prominent again. She feels for this monster because she sees something in him that the others don’t. She sees a thing with emotions, feelings, and conflict.

Once the team has the Surfer contained, Sue goes to speak to it alone. She reasons with him to help the team. She has a compassionate graciousness that expands beyond Earth. A graciousness that can reach anyone, anywhere, from any planet. Her eyes light up the screen as she kindly asks the Surfer to help the team.

The fight continues, but this time against the real enemy, not the Silver Surfer. This time the Silver Surfer helps the Fantastic Four.

Sue gets injured and she is dying. Reed holds her, and again, her eyes are so prominent. She dies in Reed’s arms. Soon after, the Silver Surfer, impacted by the kindness of Sue, gets back on his board and brings her back to life. She opens her eyes, and this time, the gentleness of Reed’s eyes is clear. He is finally realizing what is most important to him: it is Sue. He has the same look in his eyes as she had for most of the movie. A look of love, and clear priorities.

WEDDING DAY… AGAIN.

Now it is wedding time again. Sue and Reed gather with a smaller group of friends and family at a beautiful venue. Sue glows with happiness, as usual. Then Reed’s gadget rings.

Sue: Can we just skip to the end?

This time, Sue realizes what is important and who they are as superheroes. She realizes that them being together is more important than having a great, extravagant wedding. She has a moment of pure happiness as a married woman for the first time before they head off to be the Fantastic Four again. She tells Reed she needs to throw the bouquet, and her eyes shine with joy.

Jessica Alba was again fantastic as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman. This movie allowed Alba to steal the show. The story told through her eyes was more powerful than any other part of this movie series. Similar to my Character Overanalyzing for the first movie, Sue uses her grounded perspective and her kind voice to make the biggest difference. Her presence and her soft eyes to make the enemies and also the Fantastic Four believe that goodness is a powerful superpower. Her eyes are a window to the most important part of her character: her kindness, gentleness, and empathy; her true superpowers.

Favorite character: Sue Storm

Character I’d hang out with: I would say Johnny again because he is hilarious. But I would also not mind hanging out with Sue; she is kind and easily the most grounded of the group. Probably wouldn’t hang with The Thing because he is kind of freaky.

Letterboxd rating: 3/5 stars.

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10. Friday Night Lights - “Always” S5 Ep13

Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

The finale ended exactly like that.

Clear eyes: Coach Taylor realizes that his wife Tami Taylor’s dreams are just as important as his. He decides to take the leap and move to Philadelphia to let Tami’s career take center stage for once.

Full hearts: In the final scene Eric and Tami walk arm in arm off the Pemberton Pioneers football field. The lights shine bright, just like the Friday Night Lights in Dillon, Texas. Eric and Tami’s hearts are full because they are together, and that is the most important thing.

Can’t lose: Eric coached many young men in his career in Texas. He made an everlasting impact on their football, academic, and personal lives. Watching his players find their way in life after football was just as important to him. He watches as Smash Williams finally plays at Texas A&M and is achieving his dreams. Tim Riggins gets all he ever wanted, a Texas forever home. Former Dillon Panther, Matt Saracen, and Eric’s daughter, Julie live in Chicago together. Matt is chasing his dreams with more peace than ever. Jason Street has a family and is a successful sports agent. Vince Howard had his life changed by Coach Taylor and won a Texas State Championship with the East Dillon Lions.

All of those things, every impact coach Taylor made. None of them could lose because they had the right things motivating them. That is what the show is about, being true to yourself, having clear eyes and full hearts.

9. Band of Brothers - “Points” S1 Ep10

Richard “Dick” Winters is the main character, a paratrooper in "Easy Company" of the 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division during WWII.

In the final scenes of the miniseries the real Winters is talking. He says his grandson recently asked him if he was a hero. His answer speaks volumes about him.

Richard Winters: No, but I served in a company of heroes.

For a man who went though as much as he did, that answer is just grounding. Winters is a selfless hero who’s legacy and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Carwood Lipton: We lucky few, we band of brothers, for he who sheds his blood with me today shall be my brother.

8. The Sopranos - “Made in America” S6 Ep21

Don’t stop believ———

The famous ending to the iconic series left fans shocked. While many disliked it, I thought it was genius. A shocking moment that suddenly halts all the momentum of the final scene, all the visuals, gone. Silence. The show was through the eyes of Tony Soprano. He was whacked. That perspective is exactly how things would have went down for Tony. His story ended, and thus, the show ended. An ending so good it is still debated today. So bold that it left fans sitting in silence staring at a blank, black screen thinking what the heck just happened?

7. Halt and Catch Fire - “Ten of Swords” S4 E10

The final scene for Donna Clark and Cameron Howe is at a small diner. Donna is inside and she looks around, she sees people conversing, music being played, money being paid. She walks outside to Cameron sitting in the car looking at a map and says:

Donna: I have an idea.

While the specific idea is not clear, it can be assumed that this idea was similar to the internet we know today. Everything can be done online. Relationships, shopping, money, directions, music… everything.

As for Joe MacMillan, he left the tech industry behind to become a teacher. Before he heads to his class he sits at his desk where we see a photo of his late friend and business partner Gordon Clark. He heads to his class and looks on with a look of curiosity and excitement:

Joe MacMillan: Let me start by asking a question.

Joe, Cameron, and Donna will always be curious, they will always be creating. Donna has an idea, Joe has a question, the ideas and thoughts keep churning.

6. Breaking Bad - “Felina” S5 E16

Walter White takes one final lap around a lab. Through the series, Walter strained his relationships, he lost people close to him. He got Hank Schrader, his brother-in-law, killed. He lost everyone and everything. The final scenes of the series see Walter helping Jesse Pinkman get away. Soon after, a wounded Walt heads to the Uncle Jack lab, and walks around reminiscing on his Heisenberg days. He dies. As the shot pans upwards the song Baby Blue by Badfinger plays as Walt lies on the floor to the lyrics: “Guess I got what I deserved.” You can’t help but wonder, was Walt thinking: was it all worth it? It was not.

5. The Wire - “-30-” S5 E10

The closing montage showed how people move on, move up, and someone always takes their place. The game just keeps on going. Cedric becomes a lawyer. McNulty is out of the department. New players move up. And Donut keeps boosting cars.

4. Better Call Saul - “Saul Gone” S6 E13

Jimmy McGill loved Kim Wexler, that love motivated him to take the fall for everything. That accountability leads him to leave Saul Goodman behind. Kim gets to walk free, and they share a final moment together in the show that is the perfect end to a lawyer who was always working on borrowed time.

3. Succession - “With Open Eyes” S4 E10

Kendall Roy attacking his brother Roman while yelling:

I AM THE ELDEST BOY!

The perfect ending. Kendall lost everything, officially. He felt like he lost himself as he lost the company. Jeremy Strong had a masterful performance portraying one of the most complex TV characters ever. You could see the emptiness of Kendall in the final scene.

As for the rest, Tom Wambsgans being CEO and walking around the corner to the theme song was baller. He also saved Greg Hirsch’s job, and due to his new position, he saved his relationship with Shiv.

2. The Americans - “START” S6 E10

With Or Without You by U2 plays as Paige Jennings gets off the train and leaves her parents Philip and Elizabeth to flee to Russia alone. Meanwhile they just left Henry, like hey, bye, forever. This moment shows that despite what Philip and Elizabeth wanted for their kids, which was them joining them to be spies, they didn’t want that life. Paige leaves them behind to be close to Henry.

The most tense and heartbreaking scene was Stan Beeman realizing who they were and confronting them. He lets Elizabeth, Philip, and Paige walk. He was never so conflicted in his life. His friends, people he thought he could trust had been lying to him. Despite all of that, Stan felt some loyalty to them which is why he let them walk.

1. Six Feet Under - “Everyone’s Waiting” S5 E12

This is just sad. It makes me cry every single time. An ending that is more than an ending. It is a calling to live life, to love life. To share the moments you have with your family and loved ones because someday it will all be gone. The most meaningful episode of TV ever created. A masterpiece ending that will never be topped. As soon as Claire leaves to head to New York and she looks back in the mirror to see Nate running behind her, I lose it.

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Welcome to Episode 4 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite shows and movies. Today, we are looking at Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot. This movie is in my top 5 favorite superhero movies and one of my top 3 favorite superheroes.

I used to want to save the world. This beautiful place. But I knew so little then. It is a land of magic and wonder. Worth cherishing in every way. But the closer you get, the more you see the great darkness simmering within.

Diana Prince opens a briefcase containing a black-and-white photo of her with some guys. A note to remember later.

Now, to Diana’s home, the beautiful island of Themyscira. It is also called Paradise Island, a beautiful breathtaking place with vibrant colors and nature everywhere. She is known as Princess Diana of Themyscira. In the real world she is known as Diana Prince. Apparently, Diana was sculpted from clay. That would explain how Gal Gadot is so beautiful. Hippolyta was crafting up Diana like Carmen Berzatto cheffing in the kitchen.

Diana’s mom takes her to see the epic sword, and she asks who would wield it:

Hippolyta: I pray it will never be called to arms. But only the fiercest among us even could. And that is not you, Diana.

Is she serious? I can’t believe she said that. Young Diana is like, haha, bet mom. Bet. At this moment, you can see it in her eyes; she set it upon herself to become the fiercest among them.

FINALLY. GAL GADOT HAS ARRIVED FOR REAL.

Hank Schrader (Breaking Bad): Hell yeah! Hell yeah!

As Diana looks out across the water, a plane comes crashing through their forcefield. She dives off a cliff and into the water, straight to the plane. As usual for superheroes, they have zero hesitation to do what is right. Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) is down there sinking with the plane, and then suddenly friggin’ Gal Gadot dives in to save him?

Hank Schrader (Breaking Bad): Hell yeah! Hell yeah!

She takes him to shore and watches over him as he wakes. Steve wakes up and looks up to see this majestic-looking woman staring down at him.

Steve: Wow.

That is what I would have said too.

Germans have arrived, and a whole battle breaks out. It is guns against a bunch of Amazon women with flaming arrows. This is the first scene where you can see the real goodness of Diana kicking in. As one of her fellow Amazons gets shot, Diana has a look of pure sadness on her face. Then, out of nowhere, a gun is pointed at Diana, and Antiope jumps in to save her and takes the bullet. Diana is understandably devastated by the loss of her mentor, but even more saddened because she died saving her life.

Turns out old Steve is a spy.

Steve: I AM A SPY!

Steve, you little slime ball. I see you. Making moves out here like Philip and Elizabeth Jennings.

Tom Wambsgans (Succession): You little slime ball, Greg.

So big Steve tells the women about the war that is going on. Diana is clearly saddened to hear this. She knows that this could be the great calling she was supposed to do.

Diana: As Amazons, this is our duty.

She feels an obligation to be more than just a woman on an island. She feels like she needs to be making a difference. She knows there is more out there beyond the island.

But seriously, this dude somehow crash-lands on an island full of beautiful women, and he doesn’t just want to stay? Ok. Right. There is zero, I repeat, zero chance I would leave.

Steve and Diana are leaving, and a bunch of majestic women roll up.

Diana: I cannot stand by while innocent lives are lost. If no one else will defend the world from Ares, then I must. I have to go.

Hippolyta: I know. Or at least I know I cannot stop you. There is so much… so much you do not understand.

Diana: I understand enough. That I’m willing to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Like you once did.

Hippolyta: You know if you choose to leave, you may never return.

Diana: Who will I be if I stay?

Diana makes a choice to be a hero. She makes a choice to leave behind comfort to trust a strange man, to trust that she is the hero the world needs. It is her time to shine. As she leaves, she looks back at the perfect island, and then it fades to fog. The first glimpse into the darkness. He tells Diana that there isn’t much they can do and that they need to find the men who can do something.

Diana: I’m the man who can.

That is a baller line. This woman is basically claiming she is better than every man back in the war. She knows she is a baller, and she wants him to understand. There is a chemistry that has been building between Diana and Steve so far. She clearly likes him. Steve, take a friggin’ hint, buddy.

George Costanza (Seinfeld): Signals, Jerry, signals.

Steve and Diana have arrived in London.

Steve: Welcome to jolly old London!

Diana: It’s hideous.

I think Joey Tribbiani would be interested to know where Diana Prince is:

Joey Tribbiani (Friends): In London?!

Diana is walking in the streets of London wearing a long coat, and as Steve agrees to take her to Ares, they start walking. Diana’s armor starts to show, and Steve quickly makes sure to cover her back up. So you’re telling me in the olden days it was unconventional to wear a metal bikini in public?

Diana gets a nice, normal outfit. Sounds good, right? She is also holding a giant shield and sword, which don’t exactly blend in.

Mona Lisa Vito (My Cousin Vinny): Oh yeah, you blend.

There is a cool contrast in this movie. Diana Prince is a radiant woman who is a standout in a grey, dull, and sad time. She offers a ray of light into every place she goes. There is an aura. The men stop and stare. Diana is a beacon of hope.

For her, it is not about winning or losing a fight. Fighting for the right reasons is just as important as anything. She doesn’t see countries, only good and bad. She must, absolutely and without discussion, fight for the good people, for the right reasons.

But first, Diana gets an ice cream, and she is taken away by the delicious snack. A moment that briefly grounds Diana as a character. It shows us that, yes, she is a superhero, she is a symbol of goodness in a time of hatred, but she is still just a person. A person who feels all the things that we do. She is just a woman fighting for more than most can.

Diana and the team arrive at the trenches. A place where the war is more evident than ever. It is a place where Woman Woman is needed. Steve tries to protect her. He knows this battle will be a tough one to win. But Diana refuses to be anything but a great symbol of goodness. She will not leave without fighting for all the people who can’t fight for themselves.

Diana: We cannot leave without helping them.

If he won’t help her, she will do it without him. She feels a little betrayal and disappointment. Steve wants Diana to realize that Ares is not the only problem in the world. The world is full of problems, and she can’t save everyone.

As Diana realizes this battle must be fought, she begins the fight. She turns around with a look of determination in her eyes. She drops her hair out of the band, puts on her crown, turns around, and says:

Diana: No, but it’s what I’m going to do.

The shield comes out, she steps up the ladder out of the trenches, but she also steps out of the fear and limitations everyone else projected onto her. Steve yells at her in fear for her life. She steps onto the battleground, explosions at her back, zero fear, zero hesitation. She blocks a bullet, then another. She picks up her walk into a run while blocking bullets. They have zero chance of taking her down. She is Wonder Woman, for the first time.

All of the enemy soldiers run away screaming because they know they are not winning. This scene highlights the bravery and the never-ending aura of Diana.

The fight isn’t over yet. Diana jumps through a window, the screen goes to a close shot of her eyes and into the Wonder Woman theme song. This makes it clear that she is not fighting as Diana, but she is fighting as Wonder Woman.

But wait, she isn’t done yet. More guys try and fail to take her down. She doesn’t even blink an eye. She leaps into the bell tower where there is a sniper and finishes the battle. As the rubble settles, she reappears as a bunch of civilians look up at her. She hears the silence, unsure of the reaction to her great efforts. This shot highlights her power again, a ground level shot that looks up at this tower where Diana stands. It highlights that these people now look up to her. She realizes that they look up to her for being a fierce beauty, a fierce fighter, but more than that, a gentle human with immense heart and empathy.

The crew gets their photo taken after the fight (the one I mentioned at the beginning). This moment perfectly represents what Diana stands for. She stands in the middle with her bright, colorful armor, her aura. Next to her are a bunch of normal men in normal clothes. The photo shows Diana joining the real world. It makes to so clear that she is different than the rest of them. In that black-and-white, grainy, dull photo, Diana looks otherworldly, she has an aura that beams through the photo. She is becoming everything she thought she could be.

After this fight, it is clear that Diana is still not satisfied. She knows there is more work to be done. She looks troubled. She looks more human than ever. Steve and Diana sit outside in a moment of peace. She has a rather gentle grace in this scene. She looks tired, not physically, but emotionally. This whole thing is taking a toll on her, but you would never know it.

Timely, Steve asks Diana to dance. This small gesture again proves that Diana is just a woman who wants to be happy. They sway to the quiet, faint music. She looks at him with love in her eyes. She is smiling again, a gentle smile that is as gentle as she is. A bunch of little white flakes begin to fall from the sky. Diana looks concerned until Steve says it is just snow. This puts a huge smile on her face and she laughs, it is the most human look at her character yet. She is still just learning the world. Though it may seem like she has it all figured out, she doesn't. The sparks are flying between her and Steve. They both finally realize it and share a kiss.

Diana and Steve finally head out of the town with the rest of the guys from the photo.

Steve: I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. Every word.

Sameer: Wait, wait, wait. There is a whole island of women like her? And not a single man among them? How do we get there?

See, Sameer gets it. That sounds like the greatest place on earth. An island full of Diana Princes! A. WHOLE. ISLAND. OF. DIANA. PRINCES.

Chandler Bing (Friends): I'm trapped in an ATM vestibule with Jill Goodacre!

They have arrived at their destination, a castle which has their enemies inside. Diana and the guys look for ways to get in. Steve takes control and goes in undercover. Meanwhile, Diana was getting in through simply being a stunning woman.

Diana makes it to the room where everyone has gathered. She stands there, glowing with beauty in a blue dress. She walks in with authority. As she walks, we see her back, where, conveniently, her sword is strapped like William Wallace or like John McClane.

She reaches back for her sword in slow motion with a look of anger and determination in her eyes to try to take out Erich Ludendorff. Just as she almost reaches it, Steve stops her.

A frustrated Diana heads outside with Steve following her. They see the gas, which has been foreshadowed throughout the entire movie, being dispersed. Diana gallops through the forest on a horse, blue dress in the wind, armor back on, and she has a look of panic on her face.

She arrives at the site of the gas and walks through with an already defeated look on her face. She sees the innocent lives lost and is devastated. She is crushed by yet another act of inconceivable hatred. This was the moment it all shifted.

Diana: I could have saved them if it weren’t for you.

She thinks that Steve is holding her back. Wonder Woman heads into the heart of the battle with or without Steve. It is a dark nighttime scene that serves as a visual for how the world is perceived to Diana now. At the beginning, she was on her home island. It was bright, colorful, and hopeful. As she traveled to London, it got significantly more dull as she realized that the real world wasn't as good as she had hoped. And now, as it all becomes clear to her that the battle she is fighting is dark, it is pitch-black nighttime.

It is no coincidence that in this darkness her armor is colored. Her lasso is glowing. They shine because she shines as the source of hope and light for the world.

As she fights Erich Lundedorff, that awesome Wonder Woman theme plays again. She uses everything she has at her disposal, weapons, will, and heart, to try to take him down. The only tool that has helped is her lasso. In the photo above, you can see Diana using all her energy to try to win this fight. Every time the theme song plays, Diana becomes Wonder Woman more and more.

Diana: I am Diana of Themyscira, daughter of Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. And your wrath upon this world is over.

She began winning the fight, or so she thought.

Diana: In the name of all that is good in this world, I hereby complete the mission of the Amazons by ridding this world of you forever!

She takes down Ludendorff, but she feels no joy. She has a look of relief, but also a look of sadness at what had to be done. As she takes a moment to catch her breath, she looks up and hears chaos around her. She realizes the fight is far from over.

Diana: Why are they still fighting?

Steve: Because, maybe it’s them! Maybe… Maybe people aren’t always good. Ares or no Ares, maybe it’s just who they are.

Diana: No. *shaking her head*

She is so devastated to hear this. She does not believe it can be true. She sees the goodness in everyone. She doesn’t want Steve to see the world in that light. She wants to believe that the world can be good. This scene shows the real conflict between Steve and Diana that goes back to the trench scene. They don’t see eye to eye on all of this.

Diana finds out Sir Patrick is the real villain. He tries to reason with her about what he has been doing. The look on her face is so powerful here. As she lunges her sword at Sir Patrick, his hand disintegrates it. She has real vulnerability, panic, fear, and devastation on her face. Everything she has learned to this point, all of the horrible things she has had to fight, she finally understands who she is fighting. He tries to convince her to join him.

Diana: I could never be a part of that.

Steve tries to stop the plane that is about to take off full of poisonous gas. He gets to Diana to say bye, but she can’t hear him. She has a look of fear and underlying relief to know that Steve did not leave her. He grabs her hand, sets his watch in it, and runs to the plane. He gets on board in a Tom Cruise-type fashion.

Diana holds her ground not through being the most powerful, but through having empathy for others. Her goodness keeps her motivated. She gets pinned on the ground and looks up at Steve flying high in the plane. Steve points his gun at the gas, clearly thinking of Diana, and blows up the plane. A devastated Wonder Woman bursts into new power and rage. She is gliding through the enemies in anger. A flashback to the scene where Diana couldn’t hear Steve reveals what he said:

Steve: I can save today. You can save the world. I wish we had more time. I love you.

She refuses to not be exactly what Steve knew she could be. She refuses to accept that there isn’t goodness in everyone. Sir Patrick tries to make her believe she is wrong. She doesn’t accept his lies.

Diana: You’re wrong about them. They’re everything you say. But so much more.

A final moment of standing on her morals, standing on her beliefs.

Diana: It’s not about deserve. It's about what you believe. And I believe in love.

As she did on her home island, she put her two wrists together and sent a wave of energy at the villain to finally win the fight.

The dark, grey dust fades across the area. The sun is back. A beautiful sunset in a Wonder Woman color theme faintly shines onto the world. A small sign that the world is becoming what she always knew it could be. Diana looks on at the people left around her, they sigh of relief, share smiles, and a brief moment of joy that it is over.

The shot pans back to a wide angle where the sun is the brightest and most vibrant it has been since Diana arrived in the real world. It rises from beyond the trees as the orange and red sun begins to overtake the dark, grey sky. Diana is putting hope and goodness back into the world.

The people of the area celebrate. Diana is there and finds a board with photos of soldiers. She sees a photo of Steve standing next to his plane. Teary eyes and a smile of love on her face. She steps back into the crowd, looks up, and closes her eyes. The last time she closed her eyes, she remembered Steve; this time, the image faded to the grainy black-and-white photo of her and Steve standing together.

I used to want to save the world. To end war and bring peace to mankind. But then I glimpsed the darkness that lives within their light and learned that inside every one of them, there will always be both. A choice each must make for themselves. Something no hero will ever defeat. And now I know that only love can truly save the world. So, I stay, I fight, and I give, for the world I know can be. This is my mission now. Forever.

At her new home in London, she steps outside to a vibrant orange sun. The most colorful the sky has been since she arrived. The look on her face represents contentment, but not satisfaction with her destiny. She knows she did a good thing; she brought hope back to the world. But the job is not over, the sky isn’t fully bright and colorful yet. But the part that is, that part represents what Diana has accomplished as Wonder Woman.

Favorite character: Diana Prince/Wonder Woman

The character I’d hang out with: Wonder Woman, obviously.

The Hankin (the actor who seems to be in everything): James Cosmo as Douglas Haig. It’s Hamish’s dad from Braveheart!

Letterboxd rating: 5/5

More 7AM Character Overanalyzing:

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Welcome to the party, pal: Episode 3 of 7AM Character Overanalyzing. A series where I highlight characters from my favorite shows and movies. Today, we are looking at the 2005 Fantastic Four movie.

Overshadowed by the scale of the MCU, the original Fantastic Four remains a rare, grounded look at the burden of superpowers. It captures the exact moment where superpowers become a gift and a curse. It forces the team to find the humans left beneath the powers.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR

Jessica Alba portrays Sue Storm. The Invisible Woman who has the ability to disappear at any moment. Sue’s greatest hurdle isn't mastering her invisibility; it’s making sure she isn't silenced by it. She proves that valuing your own voice and being confident in yourself is more valuable than being invisible. The Invisible Woman has to be the exact opposite of invisible: she needs to be heard, seen, and respected.

As you can see in the photo above, she is a badass. She rocks the suit with authority. She never let her powers take away from who she was. Sue Storm is a confident and powerful woman among a bunch of men with big egos. Sue tries her best to keep a normal life by questioning whether being a superhero is the right choice.

Doc Holliday (Tombstone): There's no normal life, Wyatt. It's just life. Get on with it.

Sue and the 2025 Superman are the most real and relatable superheroes I have ever seen. She wants to represent what is right, not just be famous because she has superpowers. I really enjoyed watching her character develop throughout the movie.

I can't believe I'm doing this again!

Johnny Storm, her brother, wants to be a celebrity. He is reckless, and he doesn’t care. Sue wants Johnny to realize that it’s more than just having cool powers; It is a whole lifestyle shift to becoming a public figure of something more powerful than just a person with superpowers.

She has a deep sense of what is right and wrong with their powers and how they use them. She has the responsibility of keeping the family in check. Her world was flipped upside down, but she knew that with these powers, there was a chance to be something bigger than just a celebrity. The Fantastic Four had a chance to be truly good heroes with the right things motivating them.

Chris Evans takes the role of Johnny Storm (Human Torch). He is charismatic, overly confident, and plays the part like a high-fashion model who just happens to be a literal human fireball. Modeling undies by day and flying through the sky by night. As you can see in the graphic above, Johnny is very, very confident. The sunglasses, the leather jacket, that is his personality. Johnny is the type of person who becomes the superhero and lets his real name fade away.

He doesn’t want a secret identity or a separate life. He wants it to all be the same. Johnny wants to always be the Human Torch. When Johnny realizes that the public loves him, he decides he loves himself even more. He wants to be a celebrity regardless of what his sister Sue thinks.

Flame on!

Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) is the brains of the operation. Reed has one of the more unique abilities of any superhero I have seen. The photo above shows the exact moment he discovered his abilities. He discovered he had the ability to stretch his body to great lengths. He reached to catch a falling bottle and his arm stretched out to catch it. It’s this moment that you can see it in his eyes, where the fear fades and the curiosity kicks in. It’s a look that says: "I can do that?" followed immediately by, "The science of this is going to be awesome."

Mark Watney (The Martian): So, in the face of overwhelming odds, I'm left with only one option: I'm gonna have to science the s**t out of this.

Reed is the brilliant scientist who has the whole idea for cosmic storm research. He took his idea to wealthy business leader, Victor Von Doom. Although he tries to get everyone to safety as the mission in space went wrong, he could not. Regardless of his efforts, Reed has blame and responsibility for the newfound powers of the family.

He takes the parental role of the group. He tries to help everyone be comfortable with who they now are with their superpowers. This is likely due to the guilt he feels for putting his friends in this situation. That guilt he feels is especially strong for Ben Grimm who is devastated by his new appearance and his life falling apart.

Being the scientist he is, he starts planning how he can fix everything. First, he has to do some tests on Johnny to help him understand how hot he can go. Second, he starts building a machine to replicate the cosmic storm conditions in an effort to hopefully reverse the effects that gave them powers.

He tests the cosmic storm machine on himself first. This shows the scientist’s curiosity as well as his understanding that it could go wrong. He knew there was only one way to test it without letting anyone down: he had to be the test subject. After all, it was his machine and his idea that got them all to this point. He felt responsible for it all.

As Johnny Drama said in Entourage when he got a parking ticket:

What the hell?

Wow, sorry to The Thing, but that dude just had a tough draw. At least the Hulk is giant and awesome. Ben Grimm just became a giant rock. The photo above shows exactly how he felt about his new look for the majority of the movie. He was pissed and embarrassed. Michael Chiklis plays Ben Grimm. He is dubbed “The Thing” for his odd appearance and a total lack of a better idea. What a perfect casting, Chiklis was awesome.

The Thing: Hey, no more wise cracks about the way I look.

Johnny Storm: Hey, call me Mr. Sensitivity.

…

Okay, wide load coming through! Everybody move! He's huge!

This is the greatest cast for a Fantastic Four movie. Here is a comparison of the three sets of actors who played the Fantastic Four:

2005

Human Torch: Chris Evans. The Invisible Woman: Jessica Alba. The Thing: Michael Chiklis. Mister Fantastic: Ioan Gruffudd

2015

Human Torch: Michael B. Jordan. The Invisible Woman: Kate Mara. The Thing: Jamie Bell. Mister Fantastic: Miles Teller

2025

Human Torch: Joseph Quinn. The Invisible Woman: Vanessa Kirby. The Thing: Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Mister Fantastic: Pedro Pascal

All of those are great casts, but 2005 really stands out. Jessica Alba (need I say much more?), Chris Evans (went on to play Captain America in the MCU), and Michael friggin’ Chiklis. That is an elite cast.

WHY IT’S THE BEST FANTASTIC FOUR

The movie is just fun. That is what a good superhero movie should be. Superman movies are fun. Fantastic Four is fun. The characters are perfectly cast and it has the just the right amount of action. Lots of superhero movies have drawn out final battles that have me like, alright already, we get it. This movie was just right. The perfect length for every part of the story.

If you put Jessica Alba in a movie, I am intrigued.

The human side of the story where we get to watch as each character develops into their superhero is awesome. The first half of the movie focused on the people behind the superheroes: Sue, Johnny, Ben, and Reed. The second half focused on the superheroes themselves: The Invisible Woman, Human Torch, Mister Fantastic, and The Thing.

The different ways each character reacts, adapts, and accepts their new powers make the characters great. Sue doesn’t really know what to make of her powers. She feels like this is a huge decision to make about whether they should be public about them and embrace them. She doesn’t want to make any rash decisions. Johnny just wants to be famous and show off. The Thing just wanted his life back. The poor guy had the worst draw in a “superpower” I have ever seen. As for Mister Fantastic, he has a cool power, and he sort of got what he wanted, just maybe not as he expected. He learned more about the cosmic storm through his powers than he would have just by studying the data.

Favorite character: Come on now, if it wasn’t clear by now it is Sue Storm. She steals the movie.

The character I’d hang out with: Johnny Storm. You’re a neat guy, Johnny. As Ellis said in Die Hard:

Hey, John boy.

The Hankin (an actor who seems to be in everything): Hamish Linklater as Leonard. I seem to see this guy in everything.

Letterboxd rating: 4/5 stars.

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10. Betty Draper - Mad Men

Let me preface this by saying Betty is easily the most justifiably grumpy person on this list. She was in a horrible marriage and Don was never there for her. However, that does not replace the fact that she was extremely grumpy and cold everyday. Betty, you deserved better and I was glad that Henry Francis was that for her.

9. Stanley Hudson - The Office

You've been meatballed! Are you ready for some meatball?

There were a few times when Stanley was actually happy. The most notable was Jim’s meatball prank on Dwight. Stanley was interested in this prank because Dwight was secretly stashing the meatballs for he and Stanley to take home.

8. Frank Costanza - Seinfeld

Serenity now!

Frank Costanza has a lot of problems with you people. Now you’re gonna hear about it! Easily the most grumpy Seinfeld character for his lack of real emotions and constant yelling. The founder of Festivus just needed some joy.

7. Tommy Norris - Landman

If you want to really understand how grumpy and odd this dude is, just read my Tommy Norris article.

6. Bill Rawls - The Wire

Bill Rawls is just a cold, grumpy, and strange man. You do not want Rawls to hate you and that is exactly Jimmy McNulty’s situation. Rawls hated him and Jimmy knew it.

5. Albert "Big Chief" Lambreaux - Treme

Albert was just so grumpy, the dude never smiled. It was almost insane how grumpy he was.

4. Logan Roy - Succession

Oh, f**k off!

The guys own kids constantly try to take over his business behind his back, so he responds with: oh f**k off! You can even see it in the graphic above, he just always looks upset. Logan Roy is not just grumpy, he is mean, manipulative, unkind, and mean.

Gary Gaines (Friday Night Lights): Yeah, you said that already.

3. Mike Ehrmantraut - Breaking Bad

Mike is so grumpy I don’t even know how this man would enjoy anything. He is constantly annoyed. Constantly. The man is just miserable.

Ginny (Die Hard): …that man looks really pissed.

2. Al Swearengen - Deadwood

Welcome to f*****g Deadwood!

A truly grumpy guy who really hates everyone and everything. He is a stressed out business owner and unofficial leader of the town.

1. Roy Kent - Ted Lasso

Whistle!

Roy Kent is a great coach, but his methods are unconventional. He is here, he is there, he is every f*****g where. Roy just has a lot of grievances to air, he and Frank Costanza would probably get along. He is happiest with Keeley but that is a rare moment of joy for the otherwise irritated Roy Kent.

Who else do you think is worthy of making the top 10? Comment and let me know your picks!

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For any fans of the elite top-rated Dead Poets Society starring Robin Williams, you’ll love these five movies. They are similar in vibe, and should be a great watch for any fan of DPS.

5. Rudy

Starring: Sean Astin and Jon Favreau

A young man with dreams to play for Notre Dame football takes his shot. He defies all odds to get to Notre Dame itself and then just barely gets a chance to play in a game.

Dead Poets Society similarity scale: 7/10. It has a similar fall vibe with a good cast. It also explores themes of betting on yourself and never wavering your beliefs.

4. The Breakfast Club

Starring: Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Paul Gleason, Anthony Michael Hall, and Ally Sheedy.

A bunch of high school students from different cliques get denention. They find common ground through realizing they have a lot in common through the pressures of being a teen. A must watch movie.

Dead Poets Society similarity scale: 8/10. A similar vibe of a bunch of teens finding their way.

3. Varsity Blues

Starring: James Van Der Beek, Paul Walker, Jon Voight, Ali Larter, Scott Caan.

A high school football team must take a stand against a toxic coach. A movie that teaches being a part of a team is more than just playing the game.

Dead Poets Society similarity scale: 7/10. I think it has a similar vibe. The movie features a great cast whose characters learn to use their voice.

2. Good Will Hunting

Starring: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben and Casey Affleck, Minnie Driver, and Cole Hauser.

A young janitor at MIT solves a problem on a whiteboard in the hall that astounded the staff. Robin Williams character takes him under his wing through counseling to help him achieve his potential.

Dead Poets Society similarity scale: 9/10. With Robin Williams, the movie is very similar. It explores similar themes and has a star studded cast.

1. School Ties

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris O’Donnell, and Cole Hauser.

You will notice the similarities in casting through these movies. School Ties is a story about breaking outside of your comfort zone to stand up for what is right. It is a great story set in a very similar setting to DPS. A must watch and easily the most similar movie to DPS I have ever watched.

Dead Poets Society similarity scale: 10/10.

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The Bear has an impressive cast and elite performances all around. With Season 5 nearing, these characters are due for a great final run as their arcs reach an end. I cover where they left off and what it could mean for the final season. I will be referring to Richie as Cousin by the way, that’s all I know him as.

Carmen Berzatto

Could he really leave The Bear? Absolutely. His character is going through it, he won’t let himself be happy. The damage he did in that final episode of Season 4 could be hard to repair, Cousin already was disagreeing with him.

What could be next? Soul searching could be on the horizon. He seems to be seaking true happiness. The second possibility is that he doesn’t actually leave The Bear. He may also stay at the restaurant but in a different and less prominent role. However, it could also be neither of those.

How likely is he to be told f**k you: 10/10. Carmen is always seconds away from pissing someone off.

Richie (Cousin)

Can cousin really run the restaurant without Carmy? Yes, but that quality and the family ties Carmy brings would be missed. Cousin needs Carmy whether he likes it or not. They are a great duo and without him they will be lacking star power in the chefs.

Can Cousin and Carmy repair their relationship? Definitely. It will take significant effort, though. Carmy made some progress in the Season 4 finale, but there is still forgiveness from both ends required.

How likely is he to be told f**k you: 5/10. I think its mostly just here comes Carmy to get upset and then they start screaming at each other.

Sydney

Does she really want to be at The Bear? I have no clue. She is not exactly showing whether she even likes her job. She seems like she does, but she doesn’t like the toxic environment. She probably would benefit from a less f**k you tone in the kitchen.

Will she be able to take the role of Carmy? She could, but Carmy seems to be the creative person who drove the restaurant to the status it is. Sydney’s uncertainty about leaving The Bear is exactly why it could not work. She should be completely dedicated to the restaurant like Carmy was.

How likely is she to be told f**k you: 3/10. I could see it, but she is one of the more genuine people in The Bear.

Claire

I include Claire because Carmen is going to be a major story in the final season. I think it is possible that they give it another chance.

Will Claire and Carmy actually give it a second chance? It is trending in that direction. Claire is good for Carmy, he needs her. She is willing to give him a chance, but the real question is: will Carmy allow himself to be happy with her?

How likely is she to be told f**k you: 0/10

Carmen and Richie

My favorite storyline from The Bear was Carmen and Cousin. They are The Bear’s strongest characters. The original beef between them starts from what I believe to be the constant lack of understanding and communication between them. Carmy doesn’t understand Richie, Richie doesn’t understand Carmy. So what do they do? Probably this:

Richie: F**k you!

Carmy: F**k you!

Richie: Hold up… F**k you!

Seems like a healthy relationship!

Greg Hirsch (Succession): If it is to be said, so it be, so it is.

The key for them to unite is to forgive each other for whatever the weird thing they are holding against each other is. More than that, Carmy needs to allow himself to be happy which would likely reduce the risk of an f**k you breakout from the two. Without the constant back and fourth of hate and toxicity, Carmy and Cousin are in the same place. They both are in and out of relationships, fighting for themselves and The Bear.

William Wallace (Braveheart): Unite us. Unite the clans.

It is more than likely that the two will finally come back together and patch things up, but it will take time. The Season 4 finale showed that they are willing to talk about real stuff, but nothing was actually settled. Carmy needs to allow Richie to be a part of his life and vice versa. They were close in the first season and lost that along the way.

The final season is sure to be entertaining. Carmen, Richie, Sydney, and the chefs should be in for a great last:

Thank you, chef!

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4. Avengers: Infinity War

What makes this battle stand out? The shifting of places and enemies.

The final battle is emotional to say the least. Wanda having to destroy the mind stone and Vision along with it is very sad. The story is easily the saddest of the Infinity Saga. This battle was the one they lost. It is hard to rank it anywhere but fourth.

Who was the key to winning? They did not win. However, Ant-Man being a part of the series was the key to them winning the final battle in Endgame. Without him they wouldn’t have been able to go back in time.

3. Avengers: Age of Ultron

What makes this battle stand out? The robots.

The fight is intense because it often feels like it can’t be won. The robots have the army size to compete with The Avengers. Without the additions of Wanda and Vision this battle likely would have been lost.

Who was the key to winning? Wanda (The Scarlet Witch) her powers helped create enough time to win.

2. The Avengers

What makes this battle stand out? Loki and his deception as well as the insane portal in the sky. The amount of enemies they had to fight was ridiculous.

This is one of my favorite Marvel movies. The first movie with all of The Avengers together was special.

Who was the key to winning? Iron Man. Entering the portal and risking his life to end the battle was a savage move.

1. Avengers: Endgame

What makes this battle stand out? The intricate weaving of storylines throughout the entire Infinity Saga was insane. It all lead to Endgame.

Avengers: Endgame weaves everything together like a massive TV show. Each character plays a crucial role in the story. The final battle goes by so fast because of how intense it is. Every character felt like they had a massive part in the fight. Everyone was fighting, flying around, and helping each other. It was awesome.

Who was the key to winning? Iron Man. In his special suit to hold the Infinity Stones, he snaps his fingers. The entire Thanos army is wiped out and order is restored.

Iron Man: I am Iron Man.

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The legend of cinema: Tom Cruise. With over 40 movies already under his belt, Cruise is not slowing down. These seven roles define him and his career. I will also be ranking how Tom Cruisey was Tom Cruise in the movie. For example, Maverick from Top Gun is a Tom Cruise character if I have ever seen one. Also, the show me the money scale: how money the movie was.

7. Barry Seal - American Made

Cruise stars as Barry Seal, a pilot and CIA operative who gets involved in a major drug scheme. He has a subtle swagger. He doesn’t care about nothin! He’s just Barry Seal. He doesn’t follow the rules. If you liked Top Gun then you’ll like American Made. It is a pilot movie but in a much different tone.

I’m gonna walk out of here, and there ain’t a damn thing any one of you can do about it.

How Tom Cruisey was Tom Cruise? 9/10

Show me the money scale: 8/10

6. Cole Trickle - Days of Thunder

I'm more afraid of bein' nothing than I am of being hurt.

Pete Mitchell, meet Cole Trickle. Days of Thunder is Top Gun with race cars. An awesome action movie with some great driving scenes. Cruise is reckless but elite just like in Top Gun.

How Tom Cruisey was Tom Cruise? 10/10

Show me the money scale: 8/10

5. Ethan Hunt - Mission: Impossible

When there is a mission that is impossible, call Ethan Hunt and if he chooses to accept it he will probably say:

James Coughlin (The Town): Who’s car we gonna take?

Ethan is a legendary Impossible Mission Force agent who always delivers. Not only are the movies fun, Cruise performs his own stunts. That is Tom Cruise for you.

How Tom Cruisey was Tom Cruise? 10/10

Show me the money scale: 7/10

4. Charlie Babbitt - Rain Man

What you have to understand is, four days ago he was only my brother in name. And this morning we had pancakes.

A really emotional ending to the movie caps off one of Cruise’s best performances. Rain Man is funny, unique, and features two elite performances from both Cruise as Charlie Babbitt and Dustin Hoffman as his brother, Raymond Babbitt.

How Tom Cruisey was Tom Cruise? 6/10, that’s what makes it great for him. It is different from his other roles in the best way.

Show me the money scale: 9/10

3. Lt. Daniel Kaffee - A Few Good Men

You’re a lousy softball player, Jack!

Kaffee is a cocky, overly good at his job, young lawyer in the naval JAG Corps. Demi Moore as Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway and Kevin Pollak as Lt. Sam Weinberg join him to try to solve the case of the iconic “code red”. Cruise really shined in his role. He shined brightest opposite Jack Nicholson in the courtroom scenes. A 5/5 star rating on my Letterboxd.

How Tom Cruisey was Tom Cruise? 10/10

Show me the money scale: 10/10

2. Jerry Maguire - Jerry Maguire

Jerry Maguire: Help me help you. Help me, help you.

Rod Tidwell: You are hanging on by a very thin thread. And I dig that about you!

Jerry Maguire gets fired from his job at SMI and decides to start his own business.

Who’s coming with me?

Joining him would be Dorothy Boyd.

Dorothy Boyd, thank you!

He and Dorothy would later get married and create a whole mess. Cruise shines in all scenes of the movie. Whether it is Rod or Dorothy, Jerry tries his best to make things right. He tries to be the best partner, agent, and person he can be.

It is one of my 5/5 star rated Letterboxd movies which Cruise has three of.

How Tom Cruisey was Tom Cruise? 10/10

Show me the money scale: 10/10

1. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell - Top Gun / Top Gun: Maverick

Bernie "Hondo" Coleman: I don’t like that look, Mav.

Pete “Maverick” Mitchell: It's the only one I got.

Maverick is the career defining role for Tom Cruise. It doesn’t get much better than Mav for movie characters. Maverick is just a savage. He plays by his own rules:

Range Control: Maverick, Range Control. Green Range is confirmed. I don't see an event scheduled for you, sir.

Maverick: Well I’m going anyway.

He is a master pilot. While I am partial to the new Top Gun: Maverick, the original is still a great movie. Everything about the movies and his character is just perfect.

How Tom Cruisey was Tom Cruise? 10/10. The ultimate Tom Cruise movie.

Show me the money scale: 10/10. It’s so money.

I hope you enjoyed, I post rankings and character spotlights…

Bob Ryan (Entourage): Is that something you might be interested in?

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