Summary: This
reality television series follows a group of fishermen risking their lives to
catch crab in the Bering Sea.
Review: I
became hooked on "Deadliest Catch" years ago, despite being an animal
advocate and vegetarian. There was something mesmerizing and addictive about
these chain-smoking, swearing, rough-around-the-edges-and-proud-of-it
fishermen. Quickly, Sig, Phil, Johnathan and the other captains became as familiar
to me as my neighbors. I looked forward to the show every week to see, of
course, the giant waves, the icy air that froze instantaneously on the face,
the hauling of the crab pots.
But what I tuned in most to see was these guys, these very
real, very human guys. Despite being on a reality show, they really were the
honest deal. "Deadliest Catch" is not some Hollywoodized version of
crab fishing--it's the real thing. The captains, despite having cameras in their
faces, are a WYSIWYG kind of show, and for that, the series won me over.
Season 6 is by far my favorite. By now, the film crew and
the motley crew of fishermen have a good relationship going, lending to amazing
footage of the weather, the emotions, behind-the-scenes happenings and the
fishing.
I loved Season 6 mainly because it's my favorite captain's
last. Captain Phil dies during this season (that's not a spoiler--it was all
over the news when he passed away last February and the show's producers molded
the entire season around this event). Where it could have been cheesy, drawn
out and just in very poor taste, Season 6 was absolutely not. Dealing with the
illness and eventual death of Phil, the producers showcased a new level of
reality-show tact and talent never seen before in this medium.
In fact, every reality-show producer should watch Season 6
to see how it's done right. If you've never seen this series before, don't feel
you need to watch the other five seasons to catch up. Check out Season 5 if you
want some background, but if not, dive right into Season 6 and see how much
effort, passion and life goes into catching crab.
Who knew that a bunch of salty sea captains and their Bering Sea brotherhood
had so much heart?
Extra highlight:
"The Phil Harris Story" or the "After the Catch" DVD
What to serve for dinner: Crab, of course. Try crab with snow peas
(weloveseafood.com).
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound fresh crabmeat
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 pound fresh snow peas
1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts
1/4 cup white wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
1/4 cup water
Rice of your choice (brown, white, long grain, etc.)
Heat oil. Add crab and simmer, stirring, two minutes. Add
garlic, snow peas and water chestnuts; simmer five minutes. Stir together wine,
soy sauce, arrowroot and water until arrowroot is dissolved. Pour into cooking
crab mixture and simmer another 2 minutes. Serve immediately over hot rice.
Serves four.
What to talk about over dinner: Would you ever do this job? Could you? Do you enjoy
being on boats? What's the worst weather you've ever encountered at sea? How
cold have you ever been? Who is your favorite captain? Favorite boat? Least
favorite captain? What was your favorite episode? What's your opinion on how
Phil's death was handled? What do you think will happen next season? What about
Phil's sons? What ship would you be on if you were a Bering Sea crabber? What
ship would you never want to be on? Why is this reality show so much better
than other ones on television now? What did you think of the "After the
Catch" segments? Do you really think the guys are just like they are on
TV? What's your favorite seasickness remedy?
Film (with rating): Glee: The Complete First Season (NR)
Studio:
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Summary:
Contains all 22 episodes in the groundbreaking first season of the hit
television show focusing on an optimistic high-school teacher (who wants to
revamp the glee club) and all the antics, obstacles and hilarity he faces each
day.
Review: The
plot for this show sounds so simplistic: a guy teaching glee to a bunch of
students. But it is so much more than that, thanks to the amazing
skill of the writers and wonderful talent of the actors who flesh out their
characters perfectly. We've got Matthew Morrison, Jayma Mays, Jane Lynch (my
personal favorite) and Lea Michele, just to name a few. The show is a unique
and unforgettable look at high school, bullies, budding talent, love, misfits,
staying true to yourself and going after what you want, all wrapped up in
music.
The tagline says it all: A biting comedy for the underdog in all of us.
I wasn't in glee club in high school (even my toddler plugs her ears when I
sing), but I can still relate--that in and of itself is a huge strength of
"Glee:" viewers like and relate to the characters and situations. I
find it impossible to stay cranky after watching a "Glee" episode.
While the show's writers do touch on very known subjects (the jock with a
hidden love of music, the snotty cheerleaders), they do it with such a unique
voice, the situations seem fresh, not passé.
To those who have not yet converted to full
"Gleek" status, now is a perfect time to do so, since the second
season begins this Tuesday. Don't think this series is a cheesy 21st
century "Fame" redux or an even cheesier "High School
Musical" made-for-TV series. It's got its own fingerprint, and it's so
worth watching. Just the one-liners spewed by Lynch are worth the price of the
DVD alone.
So give the series a try. I would bet that by the end of the third
episode, you're singing and dancing your way around the house or office
cubicle. Just know you're not alone; lots of fellow Gleeks are doing the exact
same thing.
Extra highlight:
So many! Try the behind-the-scenes look at "The Power of Madonna"
episode or the sing-along karaoke feature. Oh, and don't forget the "Sue's
Corners" one, either.
What to serve for dinner: High school food! Let's go with a cafeteria
favorite, Sloppy Joes, but with a grown-up flare. For dessert, serve up dishes
based on the "Cheerios" gals: Cheerio Treats and (to branch off of
Sue Sylvester's slushie love) a cereal milkshake.
Turkey Sloppy Joes on Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits
(epicurious.com)
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
*
1 large onion, chopped
*
2 celery ribs, chopped
*
1 red bell pepper, chopped
*
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
*
2 1/2 lb ground turkey (not labeled "all breast meat")
*
1 teaspoon salt
*
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*
1 (28- to 32-oz) can whole tomatoes in juice
*
1/2 cup ketchup
*
2 tablespoons molasses (not blackstrap)
*
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
*
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
*
1 1/4 teaspoons Tabasco, or to taste
*
Cheddar buttermilk biscuits
Heat oil in a wide 8-quart heavy pot over moderately high
heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion, celery, bell pepper and
garlic, stirring occasionally, until golden (10 to 12 minutes). Add turkey and
sauté, stirring occasionally and breaking up large lumps with a wooden spoon,
until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper.
Purée tomatoes with juice, ketchup, molasses, vinegar,
Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco in a blender until smooth. Add to turkey and
simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, 25 to 30
minutes.
Serve on split Cheddar buttermilk biscuits (recipe
below, also from Epicurious.com).
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup cornmeal (preferably
stone-ground; not coarse)
*
6 oz extra-sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (2 cups)
*
3 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
*
3 scallions, finely chopped
*
1 1/3 cups well-shaken buttermilk
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450
degrees. Butter a large baking sheet. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking
powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, then blend in butter with your
fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in
cheeses and scallions with a wooden spoon, then add buttermilk and stir until
just combined.
Drop dough in 8 equal mounds about 2 inches apart on baking
sheet. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool to
warm, about 10 minutes, then cut in half horizontally.
Cooks' notes: You can use two small baking sheets instead
of one large. Bake biscuits in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching
position of sheets halfway through baking. Biscuits can be made one day ahead
and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
Reheat in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
Cheerio Treats (cooks.com)
1/4 c. butter
8 cups Cheerios
1 10 oz bag of marshmallows
In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir
until melted and blended with the butter. Remove from heat and add Cheerios.
Mix until evenly coated. Scoop into 13x9x2 greased pan. Cool for an hour or
two, cut into small squares and enjoy.
Cereal Milk Shake (cheerios.com)
1 cup milk
½ cup Cheerios cereal
½ banana, sliced
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
In blender, place all ingredients. Cover and blend on high
speed 10 seconds. Scrape sides; cover and blend about 20 seconds longer or
until smooth. Pour into glass and serve.
What to talk about over dinner: Were you in glee club? Why or why not? Can you
sing? Did you ever perform on stage? Were you a high school misfit? A
cheerleader? A brain? A jock? Popular? Prom queen? Invisible? Did you have
teachers like Sue Sylvester or Will Schuester? Are you a teacher like them now?
Which "Glee" character are you most like and why? Which one were you
most like back in the day? What was your favorite episode? Your favorite guest
star? Neil Patrick Harris anyone? What new ground do you want Season Two
covers? Any new plot twists you're hoping for? Does "Glee" make you
remember your high school years fondly, or with anxiety? Who do you think is
the show's biggest star?
Film (with rating): Lost: The Complete Sixth Season (NR)
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Summary: One of television's most intense, mysterious and
popular shows wraps up in this sixth and final season. The fate of Oceanic
815's survivors and all who joined them on their journey is revealed, along
with answers to many of the secrets and questions woven into this epic
drama.
Review: I know there is a lot of controversy--as there always
has been--surrounding "Lost" and this finale. From the very first
season, theories spun back and forth over the water cooler and on the Internet.
What is the island? Who is the smoke monster? What's up with Walt? Why can
Locke walk? Who built that statue? The list is endless. Check out any message
board or even the Amazon.com comment section for any of the series' DVD
compilations and you'll see what I'm talking about. Everyone has an opinion and
a theory, and everyone believes something different about what "Lost"
was really all about at its core.
In Season Six, those theories exploded. As the series
wrapped up, about half the fans felt betrayed at the end, and half felt
completely satisfied and emotionally exhausted. Without going too much into
spoilers here with my review, let me just say that the entire six-season run of
"Lost" was not about numbers, the Dharma Initiative, time travel,
polar bears, Jacob's reign or the Man in Black. It was, at its heart, about the
main characters. The Oceanic 815 survivors. "Losties" fell in love
with Jack, Sawyer, Kate, Hurley and the rest of the crew from the time they
landed on the mysterious island until the final credits rolled. We cared about
them, mourned them, celebrated with them. They became people we knew and loved
because they were flawed, honest and real. Like us.
In that light, I fall strongly into the "loved it"
camp regarding Season Six and the ending. Yes, the "flash sideways"
stuff proved confusing and difficult to follow in the beginning, but it didn't
critically detract from show's plot momentum. The conclusion is extremely
emotional and touching (and yes, it even involves a dog, which just about
sealed the deal for me), and encourages some personal soul searching. Old
friends are brought back for this season, new friends find answers and many
loose ends are satisfyingly tied up. Is every question answered? Absolutely
not. Was that disappointing? You bet. (I mean, what is up with the light??)
But in the end, again
remember, we're talking about a show revolving around lost souls and their
journey. It's life. And as in life, not everything is answered neatly and
wrapped up with a bow. Some things remain a mystery and we accept that for what
it is.
Those "Lost"-bashers who argued that the series
ended on a weak and cop-out note failed to see that the series is not about
answering all those smaller "X-Files"-flavored questions, but
answering the biggest question of them all: Are we all lost and alone in this
journey?
The DVD collection is beautiful, as to be expected. For
those just entering the "Lost" world, I would suggest planning a few
weekends to get caught up with the first five seasons (especially the first
one) and then dive into Six.
And when it comes to the last episode, remember, it's not
about checking off the "answered" or "not" boxes next to
the list of endless questions this series sparked. The ending is about Jack,
and Sawyer, and Kate, and Locke and everyone else who spent six years with us
in our homes, showing us that this journey is not one we need to go through
alone.
Extra highlight: Ah, so many! Start with the excellent
"The New Man In Charge." "See You in Another Life, Brotha"
is also a good one for those looking for more explainations.
What to serve for dinner: As the show was shot on location
in Hawaii, serve up an island feast. Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs, Island Style
Fried Rice, Tropical Salad with Pineapple Vinaigrette and Coconut and Chocolate
Pie (allrecipes.com).
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
*3
tablespoons soy sauce
*
3 tablespoons brown sugar
*
2 tablespoons sherry
*
1 tablespoon sesame oil
*
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
*
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
*
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 2 inch pieces
*
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
*
skewers
In a shallow glass dish, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar,
sherry, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Stir the chicken pieces and
pineapple into the marinade until well coated. Cover, and marinate in the
refrigerator at least 2 hours. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil
the grill grate. Thread chicken and pineapple alternately onto skewers. Grill
15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken juices run clear.
Island-Style Fried Rice
*1 1/2
cups uncooked jasmine rice
*
3 cups water
*
2 teaspoons canola oil
*
1 (12 ounce) can fully cooked luncheon meat (such as SPAM®), cubed
*
1/2 cup sliced Chinese sweet pork sausage (lup cheong)
*
3 eggs, beaten
*
2 tablespoons canola oil
*
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
*
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
*
1/2 cup chopped green onion
Bring the rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high
heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender,
and the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the rice cool completely.
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat, and brown the luncheon
meat and sausage. Set aside, and pour the beaten eggs into the hot skillet.
Scramble the eggs, and set aside.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat,
and stir in the rice. Toss the rice with the hot oil until heated through and
beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic powder, toss the rice for 1
more minute to develop the garlic taste, and stir in the luncheon meat,
sausage, scrambled eggs, pineapple, and oyster sauce. Cook and stir until the
oyster sauce coats the rice and other ingredients, 2 to 3 minutes, stir in the
green onions, and serve.
Salad
*6
slices bacon
*
1/4 cup pineapple juice
*
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
*
1/4 cup olive oil
*
freshly ground black pepper to taste
*
salt to taste
*
1 (10 ounce) package chopped romaine lettuce
*
1 cup diced fresh pineapple
*
1/2 cup chopped and toasted macadamia nuts
*
3 green onions, chopped
*
1/4 cup flaked coconut, toasted
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high
heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. In a cruet or jar with a
lid, combine pineapple juice, red wine vinegar, oil, pepper and salt. Cover and
shake well. In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, pineapple, macadamia
nuts, green onions and bacon. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
Garnish with toasted coconut.
Pie
*1 (9 inch) unbaked
pie crust
*
1 cup milk
*
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
*
1 cup white sugar
*
1 cup water
*
1/2 cup cornstarch
*
7/8 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
*
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
*
1/4 cup white sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake crust for 15 minutes, or
until golden brown. Set aside to cool. In a medium saucepan, whisk together
milk, coconut milk and one cup sugar. In a separate bowl, dissolve the
cornstarch in water. Bring coconut mixture to a boil. Reduce to simmer and
slowly whisk in the cornstarch. Continue stirring mixture over low heat until
thickened, about 3 minutes. In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate chips for 1
minute or until melted. Divide the coconut pudding evenly into two bowls. Mix
chocolate into one portion. Spread on the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the
remaining portion of pudding on top of the chocolate and spread smooth.
Refrigerate for about an hour. Whip cream with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks
form. Layer the cream on pie; if desired garnish with chocolate shavings.
What to talk about over dinner: The list is endless! What is
the island? Discuss the "purgatory" theme. Who was your favorite
character? Your least favorite? Why? Who had the biggest emotional growth while
on the island? What was your favorite episode? Why did any of them want to get
off the island when they faced a terrible life back home? Which long-gone
character did you love seeing in Season Six? Why could the MIB not leave the
island? What was the light? What did you think about Jacob? What did you think
about Locke and Ben this season? Is this really the Garden of Eden? Discuss
"live together, die alone." How much does Vincent rock? What
"Lost" character would you be? Why were no children born on the
island? What was the purpose of the numbers? Why did Hurley never lose any
weight? How could Hurley see dead people? Did you feel cheated or satisfied at
the ending? Why? Do you believe what Jack's father said to him?How would you have wrapped things up?
How would you explain the unanswered questions? Compare the very first opening
scene to the very last closing scene.
Or just don't discuss theories at all. Instead, talk about
the last episode. Do you think this is how things work? Are we really never
alone, especially at the end?
Summary: Derek Thompson (Dwayne "The Rock"
Johnson) is a hard-charging minor league hockey player whose "Tooth
Fairy" nickname comes from his ability to knock out other players' teeth.
When his dream-crushing attitude gets out of control, he is ordered to one
week's hard labor as the real Tooth Fairy. Will he eventually adapt to his new
position and see the error of his ways?
Review: This movie received some pretty miserable reviews.
Some reviewers did make good points about the film's shortcomings (could Billy
Crystal's cameo be any less funny?), but overall, this is a movie about the
Tooth Fairy--what were viewers expecting? Director Michael Lembeck didn't set
out to craft a film about Nelson Mandela or curing a rare genetic disorder. He
made a slightly campy, often corny family film that is mild enough and
enjoyable enough for the whole family to view together.
Make no mistake:
without The Rock, this film would be unwatchable. Johnson is once again great
in this family-focused fare, and his self-depreciating humor saves the day more
than once. Besides, his awe-inspiring size paired up with fairy wings and a
tutu is just absurd enough to be funny.
Obviously, kids will have a blast
laughing at the high-jinx (and the tutu), but don't be so sure you won't be
giggling at some of the film's silliness as well. So overlook the tired clichés
and puns ("Charles Darwing"), and just enjoy the film for what it is
and nothing more: a harmless, humorous flick you can watch with all the kids
and forget about more pressing matters for 102 minutes.
Extra highlight: Flights, Tights and Fairy FX - How The
Magic Was Brought To Life
What to serve for dinner: Let's make the Tooth Fairy angry
and serve up a bunch of plaque-inducing goodies: starch-laden spaghetti with
stain-creating marinara sauce, followed up with a version of The Rock's
favorite snack, donuts a la mode.
Marinara Sauce (Giada De Laurentiis, Food.com)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 small onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves
In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over a medium-high
flame. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent,
about 10 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon of each salt and
pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the
tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce
thickens, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the sauce with
more salt and pepper, to taste. (The sauce can be made one day ahead. Cool,
then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.) Serve over
spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions.
Donuts (Cooks.com)
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1 egg
2 tbsp. melted shortening
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. seedless raisins
Vegetable shortening for frying
Blend together 1/3 cup sugar, milk, egg and melted
shortening. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; add to liquid mixture
and stir lightly. Mix in raisins. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls into shortening heated to 365
degrees. Fry 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. In a
bag, mix 1/4 cup sugar and 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon. Shake warm donuts
in bag to coat. Serve in a bowl with a scoop--or two or three--of vanilla bean
ice cream. The real stuff, not the fat-free variety.
If you're feeling really naughty, have seconds with dessert
and don't even floss before bed tonight either.
What to talk about over dinner: What are your first memories
of the Tooth Fairy? How much did you get for your lost teeth? When did you lose
your first tooth? How has The Rock gone from more physical action-hero roles to
a family-flick guy? Is he better in this genre? Why? How could this movie be
better? Did you cringe or laugh at the puns? What did you think of Julie
Andrews' role? Do you know anyone who may need to be taught a lesson about
life? Are you afraid of the dentist? Do you floss? No really, do you? What's
your favorite brand of toothpaste
Each week, Kyra Kirkwood reviews a different DVD and pairs it with a recipe to make for
dinner and some talking points to discuss over dessert. e-mail me
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