TV Review: Jane by Design

(Source)

Jane by Design (2012)
Season 1 (Volume 1)

Jane Quimby (Erica Dasher) is a teenager who is mistaken for an adult and lands a job in a hip fashion house, Donovan Decker. She must balance her high school life and her job. She has her best friend Billy (Nick Roux) help her out. While LuLu (Meagan Tandy), a girl who has been mean to Jane since the seventh grade, seems to have it in for her. Jane's father died and her mother has run away unbeknownst where to Jane and Ben. Her brother Ben (David Clayton Rogers) tries to make money by getting jobs, but they never seem to work out, until he lands a job as the athletic assistant at Jane's school.
At Donovan Decker Jane discovers a word full of fashion challenges working for Gray Chandler Murray (Andie MacDowell) and tackles them with the help of her co-workers, Jeremy Jones, (Rowley Dennis), India Jourdain (India de Beaufort), Carter (Ser'Darius Blain) and Birdie (Brooke Lyons).

Jane tries to be the best at her job and her school, juggling the everyday challenges of high school and the world of fashion. (Source)

Notice: This is yet another series that aired half of their 'first season' in order to have more produce (Once Upon a Time is another example).

This is a review for the first 10 episodes in season one which aired as of March 6, 2012.
8 more episodes to come starting June 5, 2012.

Note: There is a lot I have to talk about, to help sort that I split the review into three sections; Characters, Fashion, and Plot.
Due to the nature of this review and the series, I was forced to skip over or completely leave out sections of information and the opinions attached to them, as I did not want to make a spoiler filled review.

There are no spoilers here.

This is one of those things you hope to love, you try love, but you just can't do it. I could not love this series.
Granted, the plot is interesting, the story is cute, and the characters are charming but I just feel like there was something missing from the main ingredients, something didn't work it all together to create that perfect harmony; to make the story along with it's characters flow and really come to life.

Maybe it has to do with how everything about this story is unbelievable, to the point of being unrealistic, which makes the entire story (and the characters) unrelatable! I found very few characters appealing, in the sense that I would actually care much about them or their story.

Characters

First let me state that there are so many 'minor' character in this series, at least in my eyes. Jane is the main character and has a story and focus every episode, once in awhile another member gets highlighted. Although not as often as I would have liked. The way I see it, Jane is the only main character because the story is so heavily focused on her.

Jane..  is perfect, although no one besides her brother and best friend Billy see it! She's smart, witty, slightly quirky, charming, cheerful, honest, hardworking, and above has her head on her shoulders. She's a bit of a trendsetter although no one quite seems to see.. Being all these things she labeled as 'different' and pushed into the outcast social status of high school.
Which I don't get. Jane is a nice girl there is no reason that she shouldn't have more friends or know people. Then again there's only about five character IN the entire high school that she seems to know. What is with that?!

Jane being the way she is, I find this, a load of bull. I'm sorry. She's too perfect, at almost every turn. Then half way through the series Jane looses herself a little. She does a 180 personality-wise and starts doing whatever she wants. I felt it was the mind set "I'm acting like an adult, so I will continue that in doing what I feel and see is fit." When she is nothing more than a child. The power and responsibility of her life, really starts to go to her head.

All in all, I couldn't stand Jane. Which is probably why I didn't like this series more. I felt her to be completely unrelatable. She has no idea how to read people, ever. She can't see what's staring her in the face until someone else points it out, she's far too trustworthy and naive about people, she takes everything on to herself without speaking to anyone but her best friend, to top it off she's had a crush on only one guy, ever. (Although I do get the "One person" mindset.)
I felt she was a shallow character, so many great personality traits that fell ended up falling through plot-wise.

Honestly, I enjoyed the minor characters and their story-lines more. There are side romances and complications that I really couldn't wait to see play out.

Such as her brother Ben, I LOVED BEN! He's amazing.. funny, weird, awkward, such a dork, and beyond adorable. He's working his hardest to provide a life for both him and Jane. He was that star jock in high school who lost everything shortly after and in turn lost his identity. Ben as a guy who got lost behind the responsibility of suddenly becoming the adult for both of Jane and himself in order to provide for both of them.
There are countless scenes when that very fact comes up and he handles it so well. While he's struggling and stumbling along. I stand by the belief he is an amazing adult and influence in Jane's life.
His character (I mean personality and overall being) is wonderful. I can't explain it any other way than I would love to know a guy like this. His storyline is very minor but probably my favourite.

I also enjoyed Billy, Jane's best friend.
Occasionally he was hit a miss, but mostly because he's still in that stage of trying to find himself. (Who isn't?!) He make a few mistakes here and there, slips, but learns. Billy tends to drift in and out of the spotlight, sometimes falling on the back burner to focus on larger conflicts going on.
He's that typical rough looking guy, who actually isn't.. usually. That great guy that gets overlooked, dragged around, and misunderstood because he doesn't follow the typical roles of males in high school or act like the rest of them. It also probably doesn't help that is best friend is a girl, and they closeness is one to be questionable at times.
It took me awhile to understand, but once I got it, I understood they really are just perfect friends. Billy and Jane will always have each others backs.

Minor Cast: Thoughts

Jeremy, honestly I don't know what to think of that guy. He's all over the map. Sometimes he's good and then that jerk streak comes out and leaves you in a tail-spin.
Lulu was a pure witch. While I can't say I can completely understand why, the actress was great. I hear playing mean is a lot of fun, she seemed to enjoy it, and was great at it!
India was... a very interesting and complex character. Completely misunderstood although that's mostly likely her own doing. Sometimes I found myself cheering for her and other times I was hoping she'd 'get hers'.
Nick is completely loveable. Although I found him to be unreadable at time.. never knowing what he might be thinking or likely to due. Luckily he threw a few curve balls that lead to some great surprises.
Carter (who isn't mentioned in summary), I love this guy! He works at the design house and is a great guy. Very trust worthy and helpful.While you wonder where he's loyal, I found him to be a bit like me in a work place. My ears are open and I won't betray anyone but that doesn't mean I wholeheartedly follow them either.
Rita, I loved her! She's Jane's guidance counselor, I really can't say more than that as she has a very minor storyline but it's... sweet and surprising.

Fashion

Considering this is a fashion show, I have to bring it up. Now I do not claim to be a trendsetter or a fashionaista, but I do not understand what is 'in' and what is 'fashion' sometimes. Usually I can go along with it, something grand and beautiful, you lose me once you head into strange; odd hats, hair pieces, and just questionable fashion choices.

One of the biggest things that bothered me, Jane wore the SAME STYLE almost every time we saw her. It's the style she's wearing in the image at the top of the page. She has a high-waist skirt that shows off her small waist, sometimes with a belt to farther empathize that, and heels. She looks nice in it but I got sick of seeing the same thing in the 'fashion' show.
Along with the pairing, I don't get it! Look at that image, it's a dark purple shirt, with a bright pink skirt (which is this odd petticoat looking design), with yellow and silver shoes. Am I the only one going "What is that?" but maybe that's just me.
 
Some of the fashion was amazing and others were just weird. I don't understand what part of 'fashion' means throwing out the strangest most 'darning' designs and outfits.

What I also didn't get, was how Jane was so easily passed as 'okay/acceptable' in the fashion world. Sure she's into fashion, shown fixing or making changes to her own clothes, but where did she get those? Every time she goes into work she literally changes into a new outfit. I kept asking myself, for someone who's coming from a family that's struggling (majorly struggling), how is it she had such nice clothes. She did mention at one point she shopped at a vintage/thrift store. But still, enough for people to make comments on her purse/bags once in awhile. I wasn't really buying it.

Plot

Each episode being the same basically the same situation over and over again. Which honestly drove me insane after awhile.
Jane walks in, puts her foot in her mouth (usually by being 'honest'), ends up in a sticky situation, and tries to work her way out. Which is fine, sticky complicated situations happen, but almost every character reacts to her the same way.
When it come to Jane, it's black and white. Characters either love her or hate her, and forever act accordingly. There is so much of that "she's a breath of fresh air", which again leads to "I love it, it's refreshing" or "I hate it, things were nice how they were."
There are a few moments of lingering questionable feelings but those leave almost a suddenly as they arrived.

I can't say much more, although I want to or it would give way to spoilers.
One of the biggest flaws I found to be in the show, was the entire setup. Jane gets hired as a personal assistant, who only works part-time. For someone who handles all of their boss' assignments and schedule, that's a bit much for part-time work is it not?
I reason that plot with the fact she's in school and it wouldn't have worked out any other way, but still would it have even worked out at all?
Along with how much work she actually does for 'part time'. If she goes into work around 11am-1pm and stays until even 8pm that's close to 8 hours to work. Doing that 5 days a week that's treading awfully close to full time, especially with how much extra work comes up that forces her to stay late. (Usually coming home well after dark occasionally have Ben ask where she was/why she's so late.)
Then there's the matter of bagging a part time job that pays $34,000 a year. WHAT?! I'd sign up for that!
Just crazy...

That's probably just over thinking it, but a few examples that bothered me the entire time. Everything just, doesn't work out. It doesn't make sense.


The story is very colourful and quirky, however there are far too many plot holes for me to actually take it seriously. While I understand television is made for things that would never happen I also believe within that there should be some reason, logic, and relatability to.. something within the story.
This show had so many questions that were left completely open and walked a line of being silly.

Recommended: Younger teen, interest in fashion, quirky, light-hearted.

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TV Review: Life On Mars (US)

(Source)

Life On Mars (2008-2009)
1 Season

The series tells the story of New York City police detective Sam Tyler (played by Jason O'Mara), who, after being struck by a car in 2008, regains consciousness in 1973. Fringing between multiple genres, including thriller, science fiction and police procedural, the series remained ambiguous regarding its central plot, with the character himself unsure about his situation.
The series also starred Harvey Keitel, Jonathan Murphy, Michael Imperioli, and Gretchen Mol. (Source)

TV Show Tags: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Crime Drama, Mystery, Drama, Mind-bending, Suspense

Life on Mars is one trippy show! In a good thought provoking kind of way, along with having some wonderful entrainment qualities. This is the US remake of a UK show by the same name, with a related story line. (I can't tell you how spot-on it is, as I haven't seen the UK version. Here.)

The entire show and everything in it sends you on serious mind trip that will have you questioning anything and everything, both inside the show and about your own reality. (Okay maybe not quite as much in reality, but it will make you think!)

The plot simple or is it? Sam Tyler is struck by a car in 2008 and wakes up in 1973. How did he get there? More importantly, how does he get back?

Arriving in 1973 he is met with the same life he had in 2008, more or less. He's is detective working for the homicide department in New York, who happens to be a new transfer. From there he sets out to solve murder casing, because that's what he does and is expected to do. In the first episode he is met with the same crime he case he was trying to solve in 2008. Spooky. Consequence or not..?


Normally I don't care for cop shows, sure I like a little mystery, but I can't stand a typical cookie-cutter police show. This show however is right up the alley of 'something' else that I enjoy. I need something with a little extra kick to keep me interested. (Hello Castle, Psych, and related police shows.)

Everything about this show is about tie in.. sometimes. Everything is related, even when it isn't. Which makes it all the more confusing, because it doesn't always makes sense. What's real, what isn't? We are never sure. At any moment something could connection or it could as easily fall apart. The entire reality of 1973 is hanging by a thread. Is there something that keeps it all in balance?

This show is all questions, few answers. Which makes it a ton of fun along with hurting my head a little bit.

What I found the most interesting, was seeing Sam try and work within the world and remain who he was. He can't deny the fact that's he's in 1973, but he knows his life from 2008. At one point he makes a list of possible things that could be happening, trying to reasons it all out. From drug trip, to parallel universe, and of course coma; which is the answer he settles on for awhile after the outside world starts to contact him. Which is BY FAR my favourite part of the show. It is clever.
From having him see shapes in the clouds, which form into a person and start talking to him, to suddenly being in a spotlight and hearing voices he knows, to seeing reflections of his old life in windows or mirrors. One I liked the most, was a radio. He starts to hear his girlfriend's voice speaking to him, but it's fuzzy, causing him to tune the radio until he can hear her clearly.
The creepiest one is a man in his TV. Sam is watching a science show, the host starts going on about science this, logical that, then starts talking about parallel worlds and things that don't make sense, only to turn and look at Sam speaking to him. Leaving him with vague answers and more questions, to then walk away and have the program cut to "No air".
Creepy, creepy, creepy!

The lines between reality are always over-lapping or better yet falling apart, because you don't know which 'reality' is real.

I love those sort of 'is he out of his mind' moments, after he has a 'vision' (or whatever you want to call it), because they usually effect what's going on. Often leading Sam to where he should be and wouldn't be if they hadn't happened. Maybe. Sometimes. Which is what really sends you for a trip.
Leaves you questioning the typical time travel questions. "Does/will this change the future?" "What if this is what had to be done to make the future he knows?" "Is that why he is there, because what he knows, helps lead them to change things?" etc. Those questions drive me insane!

Now I can't say MUCH more but the series is short (it got canceled) but luckily wrapped up. At the end almost everything is answered.  Some might think it's a sloppy ending, but when you know you're getting cut you gotta do what you gotta do. I personally don't mind wrap-ups. I'm much happier to see a series get some questions answers, than none.
Life On Mars (US) is only one season with 17 episodes

I can't tell you how much I fell in love with this show. It's the kind of show that makes you think, when really that leads you no where, but you can't stop yourself from doing it all the same.

I highly recommend it!

Recommend: If you like quirky TV with a bit of crime solving, mind-bending, Sci-Fi.

Note: I do realize the UK version is probably much better and I will no doubt get around to watching it someday. Maybe then my opinion on the US version will change, but for now this is my opinion of it.

TV Review: Spaced

(Source)

Spaced (1999-2001)
2 Series

"Tim Bisley (Simon Pegg) and Daisy Steiner (Jessica Stevensonn) are two London twenty-somethings who meet by chance in a café while both are flat-hunting. Despite barely knowing each other, they conspire to pose as a young professional couple in order to meet the requisites of an advertisement for a relatively cheap flat in the distinctive building at 23 Meteor Street, Tufnell Park, which is owned by and also houses the landlady, Marsha Klein (Julia Deakin). Also in the building is Brian Topp (Mark Heap), an eccentric conceptual artist who lives and works on his various pieces in the ground floor flat. Frequent visitors are Daisy's best friend, Twist Morgan (Katy Carmichael) and Tim's best friend, Mike Watt (Nick Frost).
The series largely concerns the colourful and surrealistic adventures of Tim and Daisy as they navigate through life, decide on what they want to do with their lives, come to terms with affairs of the heart, and try to figure out new and largely unproductive ways of killing time." (Source)

TV Show Tags: British TV Shows, TV Comedy, British TV Comedy, Sitcoms, Quirky, Witty

I've heard about this series for the longest time, from friends and other generally nerdy related things. I decided to finally sit down and watch it, and I loved it!

The way I describe this show is; it's like The IT Crowd but no one works in the tech industry, if that makes any sense. Now if you haven't seen, or even heard of, The IT Crowd -- disregard that.

This show is littered with quirky, witty, pop culture filled references and jokes, in a good way! Each character is very well rounded, even in their flaws. I found it almost hard to hate some of them.. almost. It was written by, created by, and starred Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson. The series it's self is known for many things such as it's; "rapid-fire editing, frequent pop culture references and jokes, eclectic music, and occasional displays of surrealism and non-sequitur humour".

If you don't get some of that, I shall explain because it really should be noticed. The editing for the show was actually done to cut down as much empty space between scenes and dialogue as possible. To get everything as clean and close as possible and it really shows! It's very interesting to watch, I'm not sure if I've seen that style of editing before.
The references are a bit dated, but if you're over the age of 20 (or even a bit younger) you should still get them. Many of the jokes or scenes are still funny even without references and merely a nerdy set up, such as a great paintball scene from the second season.

The humour is off the wall. Very cleanly and brilliantly done, never going for the cheap laugh.
The way I like to explain it, most of the time there's a build up you don't see coming then *BAM* joke right there. You're left asking yourself how you didn't see it until it's there. Perfectly executed!

I have to give a great example for this that comes right from the first episode.

*BAM* Joke.

Daisy goes into Tim's room, he finds her and asks what she's doing. 
Daisy: I heard a noise, was just just investigating.
Tim: Playing Scooby-Doo?
Daisy: *laughs* Yeah I was always Daphne when I was little, who were you?
Tim: Freddy obviously.
Daisy: Freddy yeah. Now Look at us.



I will admit that at first I didn't enjoy either of the two characters by themselves or together. Overtime you warm up to them after seeing how they function. Daisy has the annoying traits of not being able to focus (sit down and do some work!) or being alone. Both of which drive Tim insane. Tim is very, single minded. He's the typical guy personality. Doesn't worry about too much, doesn't understand women, plays lots of video games and loses himself in those worlds. Over time the all the characters grow and begin to become more independent but still closely relying on each other.

Now I can imagine that many people have seen this or it would simply attracted fans of the Pegg and Frost combo and while I don't disagree it's appealing factor, it might not be quote what you're expecting. It's slightly different from what they are known for (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, etc) although still in the same general genre; quirky, witty, etc. If that's the only reason you plan to see it, it makes me more than a little sad. Their characters friendship is one to remember but I hope it's not the only thing.

This series as a whole is very short, which is upsetting. 14 episodes total split between two series (UK talk for "seasons"), 7 episodes a piece.

This series is definitely worth taking the time to see.

Recommended: If you love semi-nerdy, quirky, wittiness. Enjoying British humour is a plus.





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