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TV Theme Songs That I Love

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Thanks to Thursday Movie Picks, I’ve stumbled across some new blogs! One of them is Mettel Ray. She recently did a post highlighting five of her favorite TV themes and I thought that was a great idea for a post! While reading her list I had a ton of favorites fill my head and here are a few of them.

Dexter

I love everything about the opening sequence for this show. I love how coy it is given what the show is about. It’s one of the few openings that I never skip. At one point I even had it set as my ringtone. I feel like an opening tune for a show about a serial killer could have easily been dark and gritty, but this one is actually light and almost airy?

Psych

I feel like opening credit songs are a dying breed these days. The best part about the “Psych” theme is how they’ll change it up from time to time based on the episode. They’ve done a Bollywood version and Boys II Men has even performed it once. There’s also a short version and a longer version as well.

Bones

I love the techno vibe of this opening. I feel like it fits in really well with the show. I think later on in the series they changed it up a little bit but it’s still a banger of a show theme. Plus it’s by The Crystal Method!

X-Files

Is there a more classic, modern day TV theme than this one? I feel like even if you didn’t watch this show, you still recognized this music. My science teacher back in Middle School introduced me to “The X-Files” way back in the day and it’s still a show I love. Even if they tried really hard to fuck it all up.

So, how many of these themes have worked their way into your brains after reading this? What TV themes would be on your list? Let me know!

TMP Television Edition #290: 2019 Freshmen Series

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I took off last week but I’m back for Thursday Movie Picks! This time around it’s a TV edition! I probably watch a lot more TV than I do movies, so I really look forward to the monthly TV edition of the prompt. If you need a little refresher on how this works, ss the name suggests, Thursday Movie Picks is held every Thursday. The rules are simple; base on the theme of the week pick three to five movies (or TV shows) and tell us why you picked them.

1. The Mandalorian (Disney+)

After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. The series depicts a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.

I don’t consider myself a huge fan of Star Wars. I think it’s “fine” but man, this show is amazing. Even if you’ve never seen a Star Wars film, you’d 100% enjoy this show. It’s only 8 episodes which I love. Sometimes I think network television could learn a thing or two from the streaming services. The score, settings, and effects are all top notch. In my opinion, it’s better than any of the movies. Sorry, not sorry. I can’t wait for Season Two! You can read more about my thoughts on the show here.

2. Prodigal Son (Fox)

The series centers on Malcolm Bright, whose father, Martin Whitly, is the infamous serial killer known as “The Surgeon”. As a child, Malcolm was responsible for enabling the police to arrest his father, and has not (of his own volition) seen his father in ten years. Now a profiler, formerly with the FBI (until he was fired) and currently consulting for the New York Police Department, Malcolm is forced to confront his father after a copycat serial killer uses Dr. Whitly’s methods of killing. He now finds himself drawn back into constant contact with his father as he must both use Whitly’s insights to help the police solve particularly horrible crimes and battle his own inner demons.

I’m a sucker for a show about a serial killer. I wasn’t 100% hooked from the start but as the series went on it became a show I really looked forward to each week. It just came back from winter break and the episode was bonkers! I can’t wait to see where the show goes. I hope we learn more about the crimes of Martin Whitly, and about Malcolm’s childhood. The show was picked up for a full season, so hopefully that means a 2nd season is a go. But with Fox you can never be sure.

3. EVIL (CBS)

Skeptical psychologist Kristen Bouchard joins David Acosta, who is training to be a Catholic priest, and a blue collar contractor as they investigate the church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and other extraordinary occurrences. Their job is to assess if there’s a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work, examining the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion.

This is a show I started to watch and really thought I’d like. After about 4 episodes, I dropped it. The show just got a little too weird and confusing, even for me. I guess it just wasn’t what I was expecting. The character, Dr. Leland Townsend, played by Michael Emerson is just too creepy. There’s just something about him that puts me on edge and I don’t like it.

4. The Unicorn (CBS)

A recently widowed father with two daughters is encouraged by his friends to re-enter the dating scene. Surprisingly to both him and his friends, he becomes the most sought after single guy due to his widowed father status

This show slowly grew on me. It’s a bit of a dramedy. I’d say there’s more fun and comedic episodes but because of the topic of the show, there’s a few very heart felt episodes too. The entire cast is great. The main lead is Walton Goggins who you might know from “Justified,” “The Shield,” and “Ant-Man And The Wasp.”

There ya go! Honestly, I’m not someone to always pick up new shows. I’m always worried I’ll really love one and then it’ll get cancelled. Plus I’m pretty loyal to the shows I already watch. If a show comes on against a time slot of a show I love, I’m probably not even going to check it out.

TMP #288: 2019 Releases

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It’s Thursday which means another round of Thursday Movie Picks! If you’ve been joining in on the fun, be sure to let me know in the comments and I’ll try and check our your list as well. I really enjoy seeing all the different movies that people pick. It’s a nice way to learn about new films Remember, the rules are simple! Just pick three to five movies and tell us why you picked them! Be sure to link back to Wandering Through The Shelves as well!

1. Knives Out

I knew I had to see this movie after watching the trailer. The cast was loaded, the story looked interesting, and it was something new. I’m glad to say my expectations were exceeded! A movie with such a star studded cast could easily crash and burn, but not here. Everyone played a pivotal role but no one over shadowed anyone. No one was given lines or scenes that weren’t needed. The score was great and in the end, the movie had me fooled. I 100% thought I had it figured out half way through but I was dead wrong! If you haven’t watched this yet, be sure to add it to your list!

2. Villains

I love Jeffrey Donovan and Bill Skarsgård which means I had to hunt down this film. I had to go to a random theater to see it but it was worth it. I had no idea what to expect but it was such a weird and wonderful time. I honestly don’t know how to describe this movie but it was hilarious, but a little jarring too. Unlike Knives Out, this film depended on just a very small cast and it worked. Donovan plays a creep really well and it was nice to see Skarsgård stretch his comedic legs. And have a role where he’s not covered in clown make up.

3. Midsommar

Unlike everyone else out there (at least it feels that way), I didn’t care too much about this film. I thought it was beautiful, the score was perfect, and the cinematography was stunning. But in the end I didn’t care about anyone in the movie, which means I didn’t care about the story. I really wanted to learn more about the cult if I’m being honest. And let’s be real, they’re trash just like the boyfriend. No one in this movie is good for Dani. And breaking news, being a shitty boyfriend doesn’t justify killing him. And oddly enough, I don’t think it’s a “bad” movie. It’s just not a movie for me.

4. Avengers: Endgame

The final film in a 22 movie journey. I still can’t believe Marvel Studios was able to pull this off. The movie isn’t perfect but I love it. I cried every time I watched it. I think it was a mix of the story itself, knowing that I wouldn’t see some of these actors playing these roles again, and just finally getting a payoff after investing a ton of time and energy. I’m very excited to see where the next chapter takes us. And hopefully that next chapter is filled with more women, POC, and diversity. Not just in front of the camera, but behind it as well.

I saw more than four movies last year but that’s it for this list. I wanted to try and have different styles and types of movies and I think this list accomplishes that. I do need to keep better track of the movies I see! I attend a fair amount of free screenings and I always have a hard time remembering them when the end of the year rolls around. Now off to see what everyone else picked for the week!

TMP #287 Favorite Films by Steven Spielberg

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My goal this year is to try and blog a little more. I’m going to use the Thursday Movie Picks by Wandering Through The Shelves to help reach that goal! I’m sure I’ll miss a few weeks but something is better than nothing. If you’re into movies you should check it out! It’s a fun and easy blogging prompt. The rules are simple: based on the theme of the week pick three to five movies and tell us why you picked them. My list is in no real order!

1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

This is one of those movies that every time is on I find myself watching it. I don’t normally seek it out, but it’s a fun watch. Harrison Ford sure can play cocky characters extremely well. It’s a little weird to think about how this movie came out in 1984. That feels forever ago these days!

2. JAWS

I think this popped up on a few of my lists from last year but I like what I like. JAWS is such a classic film and I love learning about the filming of the movie and all the issues that surrounded it. If I had to pick a favorite scene, it would have to be The Indianapolis Speech by Quint. I would 100% believe you if you told me Robert Shaw lived through that. The way he delivered the speech was just astounding. You can read more about it here.

3. Jurassic Park

Yup, another movie that has made a few of my lists. It just holds such a special place in my heart. The way people feel about Star Wars is the way I feel about Jurassic Park. This movie was my childhood and helped expand my love of dinosaurs. When Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler see a dinosaur for the first time, I felt that in my soul. And the use of practical effects was just *chef kiss* and make the movie beyond believable.

Just three this week! To be honest, I haven’t see too many of his films and some of his classics like “E.T.” actually scared me as a kid. I found that little alien to be terrifying and I stopped eating a certain candy for months because of it. Then there’s movies I thought he directed for some reason, like “The Green Mile” which I was 100% wrong on. Brains are weird!

Thursday Movie Picks #286: Escapes

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It’s a new year which means a fresh new list of challenges for the Thursday Movie Picks! If you’re not familiar, it’s a simple blogging prompt where you share 3-5 movies (or shows) of your choice. They just have to match up with the theme of the week. If you want to learn more or see what the list for 2020 is, visit Wandering Through The Shelves. This week it’s “Escape.”

1. Iron Man

This movie probably doesn’t jump into your head when you hear the word “Escape” but the entire reason the Iron Man suit was created was to help Tony Stark escape a kidnapping. If he hadn’t built that suit, he’d still be in a cave or most likely, dead.

2. Jurassic World

Again, not a typical escape movie but it doesn’t get much better than trying to get off an island that once again is being overrun with dinosaurs. I could have picked the original but I used that one on a few list last years and want to try and mix it up a little bit.

3. The Fugitive

A more typical escape movie! You’re welcome. Nothing will make you escape and go on the run quicker than being accused of murdering your wife and being put on death row. Sometimes I forgot how much I actually enjoy this movie. It doesn’t reair on TV that often but I might have to revisit it soon.

It’s a short list this week! I just didn’t have the brain power to think of more with the holidays just ending. I haven’t seen a lot of escape type movies either which played a role in a short list. I’m excited to see what films everyone selected for the week!

I Don’t Care About Star Wars, But I Love The Mandalorian

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If you would have told me that one of my favorite shows of the year would be something centered around Star Wars, I’d call you an idiot. Yet, here we are. Now, I don’t hate Star Wars. It was just never my fandom. I didn’t see the original movies until a few years ago when a friend basically forced me to watch them. I knew of them of course. I don’t live under a rock. I just never got the big deal. I’d rather watch “Jurassic Park” a thousand times. I think they’re fine movies and I understand why it’s such a huge, cultural thing.

Then, a tiny green space baby started popping up on my timeline! I was like hold the fucking phone, what is going on here?! That’s when I got sucked into “The Mandalorian” and signed up for Disney+. I have no problem admitting I only started watching because of Baby Yoda. But then this show turned out to be outstanding. It’s 100% better than any of the Star Wars movies and yes, I’ve seen the newer ones. The score is amazing, visually it’s beautiful. I love the fact it’s only 8 episodes and that they’re all pretty short in running time. The main issue I have with network shows is the fact most are way too long. I can’t remember what happened in Episode 6 that’s being called back in Episode 20! The fact that “The Mandalorian” is only 8 episodes means that every episode is pretty solid. There’s no filler episodes or wasted time. Every episode, IMO, moves the story along.

Another thing that I like is you really don’t need to know anything about Star Wars to enjoy the series. Sure, if you’re super deep in the game you might spot some easter eggs or something that makes you scream out loud, but if not? No problem! You won’t be confused or feel out of the loop. Plus if you do want to learn more, there are plenty of articles out there explaining little things. Something happened in the finale that I thought looked awesome but I had no idea it was part of a larger story. Guess what? I still enjoyed it! I didn’t feel left out or confused. Hell, even my Mom has been watching it and she’s never seen a Star War. She even watched the finale on her own without me! She thought I wouldn’t notice, but I did.

So, if you’ve been curious about this series but wasn’t sure, do yourself a favor and jump in! Again, it doesn’t matter if you’re deep in the game or if you’re someone who knows jackshit about it, you will love this show. I have spoken.