Television
Review: "Arcane" Season 2 - Pretty but Overcomplicated TV Cartoon
2024-12-15
The first season of "Arcane" emerged as a game-changer, leaving an indelible mark on both action cartoons and the video game cartoon genre. It introduced a revolutionary forty-five minute drama format, previously reserved solely for live action series, and presented CGI animation of astonishing visual splendor on the small screen. While "Castlevania" held the distinction of being the first adult video game cartoon and the first not regarded as a cheesy guilty pleasure, it operated within the context of anime imitation as Western adult action cartoons were yet to gain widespread acceptance.

Audio/Visual Prowess: A Visual and Auditory Feast

The second season of "Arcane" effortlessly surpasses the first in terms of audio/visual excellence. It showcases some of the most breathtaking sequences ever animated for television. Animated on a feature film budget, the visuals rival those of Pixar or Dreamworks. There are numerous scenes that experiment with diverse animation techniques, leaving viewers in awe. The action sequences remain as amazing as in the first season, a testament to the consistent quality. Additionally, the contemporary pop-infused audio reaches an unprecedented level of quality. If audio/visuals were the sole determining factor, this would undoubtedly be the greatest television cartoon of all time.

Plot and Character Challenges

Although audio and visuals approach perfection in television animation, the writing of "Arcane" does have notable flaws. The first season deserves high praise for its plot, which told a deep, profound, and personal story about two sisters taking different paths in an unequal world. The story was complex with numerous moving parts. However, the three-year gap between seasons hindered viewers' ability to recall last season's events. The series jumps in without a proper recap, leaving viewers confused. The second season takes a different direction, with various plots that often feel random and lacking in direction. It includes elements like time travel, interdimensional travel, character mutations, and more. The ambiguous ending leaves viewers desiring a more satisfying resolution to the sibling rivalry between Jinx and Vi. It seems that more seasons are needed to flesh out these ideas and avoid a rushed conclusion.

Setting the Stage for the Animated Universe

We know that there are plans for more spinoffs based on different characters in the "League of Legends" video game series. It appears that the second season threw everything at us to set up this animated universe rather than being a self-contained show. It is hoped that the rest of the animated universe will focus on smaller, intimate stories rather than overwhelming viewers with convoluted plots. If "Arcane" had an extra season, it could have reached masterpiece status. For now, it remains a flawed masterpiece, captivating audiences with its visual and auditory grandeur while struggling with narrative coherence.
“Saturday Night Live” and the Luigi Mangione Case
2024-12-15
The 50th season of "Saturday Night Live" has always been a platform for reviving long-running characters. Last week, it was the Church Lady who took the stage, but this week, it was Nancy Grace who stole the show. Nancy Grace, the renowned TV personality and true-crime commentator, has been a favorite target for "S.N.L." cast members like Ana Gasteyer and Amy Poehler over the years.

"Saturday Night Live's Take on the UnitedHealthcare Shooting Incident"

Introduction to Nancy Grace's Impersonation

On this particular outing, Sarah Sherman took on the role of Nancy Grace. She passionately commented on the online support for Luigi Mangione, who was charged with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. Sherman's words carried a sense of disbelief as she questioned, "What is going on in this country? Y’all, this man is not a sex icon, OK?"She further added, "And yet, folks online are posting things like — am I reading this right? — ‘Luigi got that BDE.’ Really? I hope ‘BDE’ stands for Behavior Dat’s Evil." This shows the absurdity and the different perspectives that "Saturday Night Live" brings to the forefront.

Interview with Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson played a regular customer at the Pennsylvania McDonald's where Mangione was arrested. He shared his experiences, saying, "Well, Nancy, I’ve been eating McDonald’s every day for three years. I got Type 10 diabetes. Blue Cross? Bitch, I got blue foot. You know what my health insurance plan is called? Hoping it goes away."When asked about alternative medicine, Thompson replied with a touch of humor, "When they tell me how much the procedure costs, I go, ‘what’s the alternative?’" This gives an insight into the everyday life and thoughts of a regular person in such a situation.It is clear that "Saturday Night Live" uses these characters and scenarios to not only entertain but also to make people think about the events and the people involved. The show's ability to bring different perspectives and emotions to light is truly remarkable.
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Racing's Factions Can Learn from Sinfield's Team Spirit in MND Fight
2024-12-15
On the final day of Kevin Sinfield's latest gruelling ultra-marathon challenge dedicated to fighting motor neurone disease (MND), he gathered his support staff to discuss the significance of teams. In sport, teams share numerous glories such as trophies, medals, money, and victories, which are enjoyed by players, coaches, and fans alike. However, a team that works to assist others or combat a disease has an even greater purpose. In the latter half of his life, after a remarkable career in rugby league, Sinfield believes he has discovered his true calling.

Steve Jobar: A Racing Connection to MND

In November this year, the popular jump jockey Steve Jobar lost his battle with MND at the age of 75. Jobar achieved great success by winning the 1980 Triumph Hurdle for David Elsworth on Heighlin. After leaving the weighing-room, he became a skilled saddler and carpenter. When his MND was diagnosed, his friends came together in support. A charity day at Newbury attended by 450 people raised nearly £200,000 for the MND Association. Jobar is not the only figure in racing with a connection to this illness; the trainer Jeremy Hindley also succumbed to it in 2013. Rob Burrow, Sinfield's Leeds Rhinos team-mate, and Stephen Darby, the footballer still living with MND, found solace in racehorse ownership.Horse racing has a remarkable record of supporting those in need. When a rider faces a tragic fall or a tragedy strikes within the sport's extended family, the sport unites like never before. The Injured Jockeys Fund serves as a beacon of support and rehabilitation, putting many more well-funded sports to shame.Perhaps some of racing's often feuding factions could take a moment to consider the power of teamwork that surrounds them. They would quickly realize the common ground that unites those working in racing. If the sport can bond so strongly to help Graham Lee, who was paralysed in a fall at Newcastle, maybe the different groups could prioritize collectivity over self-interest from time to time.

The Impact of Sinfield's Runs

During Sinfield's arduous runs around Glasgow, Belfast, Hull, from Liverpool to Wrexham, Gloucester to Bristol, and to many other distant locations, his fellow runners, cyclists, and support staff formed a tight-knit group deeply committed to raising money for MND research. This way, future generations can be spared the indignities of the disease.Never does the sport look more united than when a rider experiences a terrible fall or a tragedy strikes within the extended family. It is evident that Sinfield's self-sacrifice has had a profound impact on people with MND. This time, he ran a significant portion of the 240 miles with one leg, having sustained a bad calf injury three weeks before the start. Along the roads, these individuals are visibly and deeply affected by being part of a community and by Sinfield's dedication.

The Growth of Fundraising

What began as an effort to assist Rob Burrow through his struggle has transformed into a fundraising powerhouse aiming to eradicate one of the planet's most dreadful afflictions. MND is truly evil. It gradually takes away all human abilities one by one: movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. Jeremy Hindley and Steve Jobar, far from the public eye, have likely endured much of this. There are likely others in racing whose stories we are not aware of. In the past, many with MND would go home and close the curtains, suffering in silence and even concealing the cause of death.Burrow, Sinfield, and the late Doddie Weir have encouraged those with MND to connect publicly and join the remarkable fundraising drive. The combined efforts of these campaigns are approaching a total of £40m raised, not far behind the £50m pledged by the last Conservative government after being shamed into action by the publicity generated by Sinfield, Weir, and many others.In Liverpool on the first day of Sinfield's seven ultras, the former Liverpool and England footballer John Barnes understood the strength of mass fundraising campaigns. He said, "You can't measure those relationships between people. That's when you've got to dig deep for each other. That's what the heart is all about."During one stop, I spoke to an NHS carer whose MND patient had passed away after seven years. The carer, Katie, ran a marathon in her honour, with a photograph of the deceased lady pinned to the back of her running vest. Even when her knee gave out during the marathon, she continued by touching the photograph on her back. There may be no trophy, prize-money, or medals for this, but it is a powerful example of teamwork.
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