We’ve rearranged the deck chairs around here, so let’s see if it takes. Just thought it was time for a bit of a change. It’s amazing what you can do when you actually pay for a theme!
Blogger’s Rule #37: The posts you loved writing most are the ones that won’t find their audience. You guys missed out on some good shit this week. Anydangways…
Power Rangers Megaforce, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the franchise, premiered last Saturday. I think I channeled all my Rangerthusiasm into that Dairanger post, so I don’t feel like gushing over it. Typically, when I write one of those posts at the start of a season, I end up disappointed. I gushed like Hell over Samurai, and it wasn’t even in the top 10 seasons of the show. For now, let’s just say that I liked the nostalgic touches: they take orders from a giant head on a wall, there’s a new Ernie (who’s Asian and runs a smoothie shop in the mall), and I liked that Pink Ranger/Emma’s final line in the episode is the same final line uttered by Kimberly in the very first episode of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I also really like the suits: they’re the perfect synthesis of Power Rangers meets Disney Prince. Very regal. From just one episode, I think it’s gonna be a good season. I don’t get that impression, though, whenever I’m on Twitter; as great as this season may or may not be, everyone else is focused on next season, when this is supposed to happen:
One last Power Rangers thing before we move on: do you know that, in 20 years, there’s never been a black Pink Ranger? I have this theory, somewhat backed by most seasons of the franchise: when casting seasons with more than one female Ranger, once they narrow down the female choices, Yellow is the runner up’s prize. She’s the actress who simply wasn’t as pretty as the one they eventually chose for Pink (see MMPR, ZEO, Turbo, In Space, Lightspeed Rescue, Time Force, and SPD). Sure, beauty is subjective, but the more “all American” ideal of beauty tends to win out. You hear stories like, “Well, I went in to read for Pink and ended up with Yellow.” Plus, there was a whole controversy while casting Megaforce because a black actress posted online that she was told “We already have our black Ranger for this season.” I guess they met their quota. So, what’s Saban trying to say about black women?
After 2 episodes, I’m enjoying The Americans, but I’m not sure I want a whole series out of it. I mean, they’re already asking a lot by expecting the viewer to root for the Russians. Sure, if you hated Reagan, it’s easy, but it’s still a stretch. Plus, the idea of following them as they evade their FBI neighbor for the next 4-5 seasons just exhausts me. I feel like that whole neighbor macguffin should’ve come later in the series. If not, at least later in the season. Don’t introduce that in the pilot. Anyway, the ratings from this week were pretty bad, so they better have a plan B in case this has to wrap up in 13 episodes.
Last week, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the Traumatic Cinematic Show, where we sort of contributed a commentary track to Black Dynamite. It was tons of fun, and I’ll be sure to post the link when the show goes live.
One last thing…
You thought it was over. I made you think it was dead. I allowed you to become complacent. I watched as you heaped high praise on others. I even watched as you forgot about Dre. Did you think I was blind to your tweets? Did you think me deaf to your podcast plugs? Well, I’m here to tell you that I am BACK and it’s WONDERFUL! That’s right, Will’s World of Wonder HAS RETURNED! Oh, you have no clue what’s in store for you! You can’t even handle all the awesome shit that’s gonna make your wallet look like Starvin’ Marvin! New toys, vintage toys, graphic novels, even DVDs! I’m talking Star Wars, Transformers, DC Universe, Marvel Legends, Power Rangers, and more! And remember that long ass URL? Well, no more! You can get your fix at WillsWonders.com. It’s coming back in full force. The tweets will be back. The shameless pimping will be back. If you’ve never bought from me before, you will. If you have bought from me, you’ll be back. I guaran-damn-tee that. There’s more than one game in town, and I’m gonna make damn sure you NEVER forget that again! *drops mic, walks off browser*
This Week’s Posts:
Black History Month is Back-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack!
By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth, I didn’t realize there were THAT many Power Rangers until that photo. It’s been a really quick 20 years… I remember watching the first seasons while in my college dorm freshman year (Damn, I’m olde!). Glad the current incarnation is a throwback to the originals, that should get more eyes on it, hopefully.
Not sure what’s up with The Americans– I’m way behind on my FX shows, as I’ve only started watching “It’s Always Sunny” on Netflix and have made it to Season Three as of this comment. “The Americans” looks like a brilliant concept and it’s great to see Felicity still acting (highly underrated actress IMO). Hope the show lasts long enough that I can catch up.
Love the new site URL! Similar to your “Will West” dilemma, however, it could be misconstrued as a porn site, but hey it’s simple enough that even dolts like me can remember it! I plan to pimp away wherever I can!
Until next week, Will, keep scratching that itch!
My son loves MMPR. I showed him the video from that picture shown, with all the rangers & his little eyes got so big.