Location: Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles Discussion Forum

Discussion: OT: Hellcats

Category: Discussion Forum / Off-Topic

Report thread
Watch thread
Share this

1 2 3 4 5 | Next > Last

Gusar	OT: Hellcats Sep 30 2010, 8:00 PM EDT \| Post edited: Sep 30 2010, 8:04 PM EDT I've been thinking whether I should open a thread for this show or not. And my conclusion is, what the hell, let's do it. From the moment I learned of this show, I somehow knew it'll be good. And it is. It has a really strong cast, particularly in Aly Michalka (Marti) and Ashley Tisdale (Savannah), and great writing so far. Creator and exec producer of the show is Tom Welling, known as Clark Kent in Smallville. I'm totally not the target demographic for this show, I realize it's a show about cheerleading. But... it's different from the other CW shows. It has a certain something... this energy about it... not sure how to explain it differently. Most of it comes from the main actress, who is _really_ good. So, how many here are actually watching this show? Til now I've discussed it via PM with Losa, who I hope will repost those PMs in this thread, and with tscc1000 in the German thread. This is the main reason why I decided to create the thread, no sense in fragmenting the discussion like that. Post reply Do you find this valuable? Keyword tags: None
Losa78	1. RE: OT: Hellcats Sep 30 2010, 8:24 PM EDT Good to see you came out and mad this thread, man. Indeed we have talked about it through PM's. Here's my first, about the pilot, slightly cut due to character restrictions: So, I just finished watching the Hellcats pilot... I agree with you when you said there seemed to be a little more to the main Marti girl than just a regular cheerleader, but then again there had to be in order for the show to even have a meaning or a minimal pull, right? After this I find myself wishing this doesn't turn out to be just a real extended version of the regular weekend afternoon teenage movie where girl/boy has to fit in new school/group, practice a sport, compete and win tournaments in the end, after competing and physically/morally beating the competition, both from outside teams and from an inside jealous teammate, all with the regular love interest in the middle and the best bud who later turns out to be another love interest as well... We've seen clear examples of almost all of these so far... The only one that remotely surprised me was the team captain Savannah, with her "noble" gesture to admit Marti on the team. I found it totally unrealistic at first how the main Lani girl immediately and magically got accepted in the cheerleader team and beat all the other girls at the try-outs, just after watching a video and practicing a little bit. When she latter explained she had been a gymnast all through high-school, I said "ok", but still... very far-fetched. I realized this had to happen, though... Oh, and what the hell were those co-ed showers (or at least co-ed lockers with sinks and toilets) for both boys and girls all mixed up? Is that how they do it in the US? o_O In the end, I don't know, man... those cuts between scenes with a cheerleader flip-flopping across the screen... wow... facepalm... I'll keep at this some more. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Gusar	2. RE: OT: Hellcats Sep 30 2010, 8:26 PM EDT \| Post edited: Sep 30 2010, 8:31 PM EDT Hey, I like those scene-changes with the flipping cheerleader :) Yeah, you're kinda right this could turn into a cliche. In fact, this story has already been done. A movie called "Bring it on" from ten years ago (and some sequels). Now watch again and pay attention to which movie Marti puts in the DVD player to watch for practice :)) But I think the show won't fall for that. It's got that certain something. I don't think it was far-fetched that Marti used to be a gymnast. Well, maybe it is, but you kinda need it for the story to begin at all. There are many issues with the time travel in TSCC, but the story just can't be without it, so we accept it. Otherwise Marti would have to take another scholarship - the one awarded for someone who speaks fluent Klingon (major LOL for that one, I wonder if there's a real college that does it :) ) No idea about the co-ed showers, if it's the norm in the US. But it served for a very cool and funny scene, you gotta admit that. Ally McBeal (if you watched that show) had a co-ed toilet room at the office and it was used many times for humor in a very good way. I too like Savannah, she surprised me. And I like perky (that's why I'm one of the few who liked Riley on TSCC, and it's why I liked the other CW show, Privileged). Though Savannah is dangerously close to the 'too perky' line. All in all, thanks for your view. I get your concern, but as I said, I fell that certain something about the show. It works. Mostly cos I think they put together a spectacular cast, but also otherwise. It even has a Whedonverse actor, and you can never go wrong with a Whedonverse actor. :) Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Losa78	3. RE: OT: Hellcats Sep 30 2010, 8:27 PM EDT And now about the second episode: So I just watched the second episode and it was okay. As it was to be expected, they delved a little more into the main characters past and background, providing some more character depth, which is really what makes or breaks a show for me. I gotta say Marti's mom is really getting to my nerves, though... I know it's still early on the show and a lot more development can come from her, but still... Wow... She's really superficial, reckless, irresponsible, annoying... a pain... Poor Marti... Srsly... In the end this still seems to be a very teeny show... I really don't see much difference between watching this and stuff like 90210, for example, except the fact that the main girl has a harder and more humble background here and she does more dangerous sports... Not that I know much from 90210, mind you, except from the "equivalent" old early 90's version as far as I can remember, but still... you know what I mean. So, anyway, I'll stick with the show and hope it grows on me. I still find it fun and amusing to watch. I'm a real TV show addict... What can I say... LOL You still have my thanks for pointing this out for me. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Gusar	4. RE: OT: Hellcats Sep 30 2010, 8:28 PM EDT The mom is quite a bit reckless, I agree. But remember what Savannah said to Marti: "Your mom loves you. She may not have the best way of showing it, but trust me... the alternative is worse." And it's not only Marti who will grow as a person throughout the show, the mom will too, that I'm sure of. It's a "teeny" show in as much as there's teenagers in it. But otherwise, it's not like 90210, The OC, and Gossip Girl. Those shows are a lot more superficial, especially Gossip Girl. I should know, I watched 2 seasons of OC and 2 eps of GG (my stomach couldn't handle more, that show is awful; terrible, terrible acting; but I wanted to know if there's any substance to the hype about the show). A show that's much closer to Hellcats is Veronica Mars. I don't know of you have watched that, and if you haven't, DO SO! Really. The first season of Veronica Mars is absolutely amazing, and I'm not exaggerating when I say you'll be blown away. I showed the first ep to two friends who aren't such 'TV junkies' as me and you are, and they were hooked immediately. What I like most about Hellcats is the cast. Aly Michalka (Marti) is really good, And Ashley Tisdale (Savannah)... when she looks sad, she really looks sad. They really sell the show. The writing is good as well, the only sorta stereotype is the "mean girl", Alice. But even she's not the typical "mean girl". She's not a Queen B, she lacks the typical Queen B lackeys, for example. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Losa78	5. RE: OT: Hellcats Sep 30 2010, 8:29 PM EDT And about the third episode: So, man, on your recommendation, I have just watched this week's Hellcats. Yeah, it was a bit of some more enjoyable juvenile fun stuff. I actually found some more ground for me to identify myself with this show because I see there is also an emphasis on Marti's studies of Law. I took a college Law degree myself and I work in that specific area (I'm not a lawyer, though), even though criminal law and justice works quite differently here in my country. So, anyway, now we all want to know how they will get the money to go to those big shot competitions they qualified for without the college funding. I wonder what Marti is gonna come up with. She's the street smarts one indeed. Major respects were in fact in order from all sci-fi geeks with that Kobyashi Maru test (I don't know if I spelled that right LOL). I just don't like that actor who plays Derrick (Vanessa's boyfriend, the doctor) all that much... I can't buy into his acting somehow... The guy just doesn't sell the scenes for me... Too unnatural, unemotional or stiff or something... Oh, well... So, I'll be looking for more next week. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Gusar	6. RE: OT: Hellcats Sep 30 2010, 8:33 PM EDT OMG, you just dissed a Whedonverse actor!! You will now burn in Hell!!! :)) Yep, it's nice that Marti's law studies will also feature prominently in the show. That professor is awesome, and not just because of the Kobayashi Maru test, but also how he handled getting Dan and Lewis out of prison. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Gusar	7. RE: OT: Hellcats Sep 30 2010, 8:35 PM EDT \| Post edited: Sep 30 2010, 8:37 PM EDT Ok, that was that. Have you watched the fourth episode yet? Was very good. Dan had dinner with Savannah and her whole family. The contrast between Savannah and her sister is quite interesting. Also, some cool one-liners in the ep. And at the end, Aly Michalka got to show her singing talents. Yeah, the girl is an actress, a gymnast and a singer. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
t5000	8. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 1 2010, 1:19 AM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 1 2010, 1:19 AM EDT "Ok, that was that. Have you watched the fourth episode yet? Was very good. Dan had dinner with Savannah and her whole family. The contrast between Savannah and her sister is quite interesting. Also, some cool one-liners in the ep. And at the end, Aly Michalka got to show her singing talents. Yeah, the girl is an actress, a gymnast and a singer." Ok Gusar I saw ep 4 and before I started watching I was already thinking they made the marti girl a wonder woman/ super girl, and then at the end when she starts playing the guitar and singing, I could not help but laugh, is there anything this girl cannot do ?? she is 1.gymnast 2.star cheerleader 3.street dancer 4.guitar player 5.singer 6. full time college student 7. more mature than her mother and her friends and she is studying to be a lawyer ?? and this is just 4 shows, no telling what else she can do LOL this show I will say is the 2nd best show on the CW with Nikita being # 1 I did like the savannah dan stuff, which to me is the only part I actually like. but like I said it is a good show compared to the other stuff on cw I find it hard to have any empathy for the marti character like I did in ep 1 and 2. she solved all her problems and now she is like supergirl so what problems could she have? and dating and that type problems dont count or would just make it more 90210 ish.. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Gusar	9. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 1 2010, 5:23 AM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 1 2010, 5:23 AM EDT Yeah, the girl is almost supergirl. But it makes sense. Gymnastics and the singing/guitar, that comes from her pre-college days. As is street dancing, it's simply her life-style. That she's so mature, well, she needed to become so, with her father dying and her mother being the way she is, Marti had no choice but to grow up quick. Cheerleading is then just another application of her gymnastics and street dancing knowledge. A lot of cheerleaders initially come from other sports; Lewis was a football player before, for example. Also, except for law studies, what you're seeing is what Aly Michalka can actually do in real life. She has a band with her sister. So if a real girl can do all that, why not a fictional character. But you think Marti's problems are over? She'll still need to balance her cheerleading with law studies. Especially now that she's working on that special case, that one will for sure feature in the show, the professor/lawyer is a recurring guest star. And there's still Alice who for sure will continue trying to get back on the team, which for her means throwing Marti off the team. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
t5000	10. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 2 2010, 5:01 AM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 2 2010, 5:01 AM EDT ok ,you took that well hehe, I am going to watch at least 2 more to see how it goes, I just think it is going to turn into teen petty problems and issues, but I could be wrong. I think alice is still on the team and it is when her wrist heals that there is a problem, and also if marti and lewis get together, which it looks like then of course alice will hate marty. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Losa78	11. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 3 2010, 11:12 AM EDT Just got around to see this week's episode and I have my share of fun, as usual. Savannah is getting a more and more likable character every week. I really didn't expect that in the beginning because she appeared more fit to be the "evil" captain at first, but now we feel sorry for her and her family issues more and more. I'm glad she and Dan got things rolling really well this week. I don't know how long it will really last, though, but we all want it to, don't we? About Lewis, quite frankly, I was expecting that he would be much more into Marti right now. It surprised me when he blew her off in the end and he showed how strung up he still is on Alice, even despite the way she acted. I guess they will be stringing along this love interest angle for a lot more time. It fits. It's a TV show and we want it to last. I have to agree with others saying Marti is a real supergirl and all, but that's why we like her so much and she is the star of the show. So far, it still hasn't got too unreal, so I'm fine with it. From day one we learned she is mature, resourceful, a gymnast and really capable and intelligent, so I expect to keep learning new angles from this girl every week. If this were only about cheerleading, it could get old fast. Oh, and Marti's mother turned out to be not totally useless and annoying this time, even though she came really close to that again. True to the character once more, even though with a slight positive twist about how she came up with the idea on how to bring so many people into the bar all by herself. LOL Post reply Do you find this valuable?
t5000	12. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 7 2010, 2:04 AM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 7 2010, 2:09 AM EDT Gusar here is current status of cw shows by tvbn. Life unexpected just had a jump from 1.1 to 1.4 in the 18 34 demo, which might get them another smiley face? but Nikita is looking ok despite their 18 34 women demo. that 18 34 demo is what has kept gilmore girls on for so long, and 90210. and is what killed tscc Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Gusar	13. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 7 2010, 6:52 AM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 7 2010, 6:52 AM EDT That chart shows the 18-49 demo. Where many shows do pretty much the same. I don't know about LUX, I'd say it's gone. The thing is, they have to cancel something in order to make room for new shows, and LUX is at the bottom, so it goes. I think Nikita will probably get a second season, but it's ratings aren't anything special. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
t5000	14. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 7 2010, 8:36 AM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 7 2010, 8:36 AM EDT "That chart shows the 18-49 demo. Where many shows do pretty much the same. I don't know about LUX, I'd say it's gone. The thing is, they have to cancel something in order to make room for new shows, and LUX is at the bottom, so it goes. I think Nikita will probably get a second season, but it's ratings aren't anything special." no the #'s on the right are not demos they are tvbn numbers based on all ratings etc. lx had a 1.4 demo compared to 1.7 for hellcats, nikita 1.1 etc so lux still has a slim chance. it is still early, lets see what they all are doing in nov.. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Gusar	15. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 7 2010, 9:02 AM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 7 2010, 9:02 AM EDT "no the #'s on the right are not demos they are tvbn numbers based on all ratings etc." Yes, but the index is based on the A18-49 demo. And no, LUX does not have a chance. It's doing bad, no matter how you slice it. Nikita's saving grace might be the men 18-34 demo, which I must admit I haven't actually seen. Oh, and Hellcats' women 18-34 demo was 1.8 for last week's ep. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Losa78	16. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 9 2010, 12:38 PM EDT "See, the Hellcats are the Beatles. Savannah is John Lennon. Alice is co-captain, so she's Paul McCartney. They've got this rivalry going that has to be kept in shack or it could break up the band. But you... you're not really in the band. John listens to your ideas, not because they're right or wrong, but more because you're charming together. Sorry, dude... You're Yoko... I'm not gonna let you break the world's greatest rock n' roll band." (Marty to Dan). This has got to be the best quote ever on this show so far. I laughed really hard! xD Alice and Savannah have gone to new depths as characters as well. I'm liking them both more and more as I see the show. They do have to keep it up as a team despite their differences and the votes taken on this week's episode. They've already started, it seems. On another note, the interaction near the end between Marti and Dan clearly shows she feels something for the guy and they're not really "just buds". I mean, we knew that already, ever since day one, but still... She was used to have him all to herself... Good line. Oh, and I also liked to see the new subplot we have now with Marti and the convict guy in jail. It actually made me interested to see what could come out of there, besides providing another excuse for Marti to sing some more. Is this gonna become trendy now? That girl's voice is indeed an asset they can explore on this show too... Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Gusar	17. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 9 2010, 1:02 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 9 2010, 1:04 PM EDT "1) This has got to be the best quote ever on this show so far. I laughed really hard! xD 2) Alice and Savannah have gone to new depths as characters as well. I'm liking them both more and more as I see the show. They do have to keep it up as a team despite their differences and the votes taken on this week's episode. They've already started, it seems. 3) On another note, the interaction near the end between Marti and Dan clearly shows she feels something for the guy and they're not really "just buds". I mean, we knew that already, ever since day one, but still... She was used to have him all to herself... Good line. 4) Oh, and I also liked to see the new subplot we have now with Marti and the convict guy in jail. It actually made me interested to see what could come out of there, besides providing another excuse for Marti to sing some more. Is this gonna become trendy now? That girl's voice is indeed an asset they can explore on this show too..." 1) You do know the Yoko thing is a myth, right?. But yeah, the scene was cool, because of the great delivery of the lines. 2) You like Alice? Seriously? To me she's still a selfish brat. 3) I don't think she has romantic feelings for Dan. There's just a very deep friendship. 4) I kinda hope they don't overdo the singing bit. Though ok, if it fits the story, like it did here, it's fine. It was nice, how she was able to connect with him. That'll be a great asset for her in a future job. Unlike Morgan... Lewis: "Do your career plans include making jurors like you?" Morgan: "Not necessarily..." Lewis: "Lucky for you." lol ^ Oh, and how cool was Derrick smacking the coach? :) Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Losa78	18. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 9 2010, 1:13 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 9 2010, 1:13 PM EDT "1) You do know the Yoko thing is a myth, right?. But yeah, the scene was cool, because of the great delivery of the lines. 2) You like Alice? Seriously? To me she's still a selfish brat. 3) I don't think she has romantic feelings for Dan. There's just a very deep friendship. 4) I kinda hope they don't overdo the singing bit. Though ok, if it fits the story, like it did here, it's fine. It was nice, how she was able to connect with him. That'll be a great asset for her in a future job. Unlike Morgan... Lewis: "Do your career plans include making jurors like you?" Morgan: "Not necessarily..." Lewis: "Lucky for you." ^ lol" 1) You're way ahead of me on that myth thing... I actually don't know anything about it... Have to research... I just liked the analogy with the Beatles band and how well the line was delivered and it fit the scene. 2) About Alice, well, I only "like" the character as much as the regular viewer is supposed to, which is to say I don't empathize with her. What I do see is a good source for conflict there on several levels. She is indeed selfish and overly ambitious. It's good to have such a character on the show because it keeps things tense and not so "flip-floppy". LOL 3) That is something you will probably never know for sure and the writers want to keep you guessing and hinting at it. A sense of romantic tension is always gonna be there, I think. Kind of like Jameron (if the analogy is any good), you know? It's also good for the show. 4) I also hope they don't get her singing on every episode now too. And Morgan is indeed such a full-out geek! LOL I have lots of fun with him on the show too! Great source for all sorts of humor! xD Oh, and I think Marti is gonna get the convict guy off (in a good way, though). ;) Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Losa78	19. RE: OT: Hellcats Oct 9 2010, 1:18 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 9 2010, 1:18 PM EDT "Oh, and how cool was Derrick smacking the coach? :)" You know, I'm still not totally getting this whole attitude from the coach and his "evil" ways... First he full out confronts Derrick, then he promises he won't hurt his career, then he totally gets him a promotion, then he gives this whole speech about how success makes people show who they really are and Vanessa will see Derrick is not for her... Wow... slightly contrived stuff... The guy's real strategy is going over my head a little bit... It doesn't seem too realistic if you ask me... Does he really, really plan to achieve his goals this way? By giving Derrick all he ever wanted for a job? What...? Does he think Derrick will no longer care or have time for Vanessa? Is that it? Women tend to like successful and powerful men, right? Post reply Do you find this valuable?

1 2 3 4 5 | Next > Last

JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to contribute to this site.
To start contributing, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, then try again.

Home