books are cool, too

I keep writing about TV, but books deserve some attention.  Less people are reading, and I get that, but all of my roommates and I usually have a book we're working on.  In fact I'm often reading one book and listening to another during my commute.  It's all stories, all the time.

Even when I was little and watching TV seemed to be the highlight of my day, I still begged for one more book before bed.  My sister used to get in trouble for staying up late with the blankets over her head and a flashlight in her hand, dying to get to the next chapter.  My cousins, who have grown up in the age of On Demand and iPhones still get lost in the worlds created by Dr. Suess and JK Rowling.  There's something about letting your imagination do the work.  Well, some of the work, I suppose the author does a fair share. 

A level of magic is attained when you read, and it has nothing to do with there being supernatural elements in the book itself, but more to do with what your mind is able to achieve.  By reading only one page, or even one sentence, you're plunged into a fictional world with rules and characters that are alive on a page.  Think about how impressive that is.  Television and film are great, but they have a pretty unfair advantage: actors are able to bring the dialogue to life and music swells at the exact right moment while the camera swings across professionally designed scenery.  In a book, it's just you and the bound paper in your hands, yet the world is more complete somehow because you had to believe in it without seeing proof. 

The characters are also just as alive, if not more so, than their two-dimensional movie counterparts.  There's a relationship formed between the author and these people she/he has dreamed up that is arguably stronger than the one other writers experience.  I obviously don't know that for a fact, but it seems like a more intense understanding is required to create a fully formed person with no help from actors or pictures.  You need have a vision that you can explain to others with words; you can't describe it out loud or in person to make sure audiences understand.  They're somewhere else in the world, holding your work, and imagining the character dear to your heart the best they can.

Don't you remember the first book you fell in love with as a kid?  Mine was called Martha's Calling.  It was about a dog who gained the ability to talk after eating alphabet soup.  Pure brilliance. I read it over and over and over again, often while eating alphabet soup myself.  It's weird how allowing yourself to truly immerse yourself in the story can enhance the experience.  Think about the lengths people go to so they can live in the world of Harry Potter.  And I'm not talking about watching the movies, I'm talking about dueling clubs and Quidditch teams.  Fans (aka Potterheads - they even have a name) spend hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars, to go to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts so they can pretend they're a part of this universe.  I know the movies showed the wizarding world to the public at large, but the true fans are those who read the books long before they made it to the big screen.  And they'll all agree - they are phenomenally better because they elevate the series in a way film can't.

I could go on and on comparing books and the movies and series they've inspired because it's ridiculous how many stories you love began this way; everything from Captain Phillips to Pretty Little Liars is "based on" the written word.  Sure, they change some facts and add in a chase scene to amplify the drama, but it's not the same and we all know it.  Books let you escape into your own imagination.  Think about that.  Authors obviously put as much description in there as possible, but ultimately you're able to create whatever version of their world you want.

So all I'm saying is books are awesome and deserve to be appreciated.  Pick one up and get lost - it's totally worth it.

why i (and everyone else) watches

I've been thinking a lot about how I watch a ridiculous amount of TV because why?  There has to be a pretty solid reason since hours of my week are dedicated to fictional characters and their lives, which don't actually affect me.  Sure, we can learn things from television and experience situations we'll never face in reality, but is that it?  It's just a tool?  There's no way people are laying back on the couch with a remote in their hand just because they're hoping to learn or experience.  More likely they're hoping to not think for an hour.  And while I watch more than the average person, I know next to no one that doesn't spend some valuable time staring at a story on screen.

When I was little, it was mainly to avoid going outside.  I hated outside with the sun and fresh air and the people.  Inside was better with a little Barney and maybe some Rocket Power, it was simpler and safe and solitary.  I wasn't some weird child shut-in though.  I played sports and went to school.  I actually quite liked reading (as long as nothing bad happened to anyone ever - including but not limited to divorced parents, which I just couldn't handle).  Rules were set early on in my childhood about how much TV I could watch and when; they were pretty typical, only after homework had been completed and chores had been done.  Chores that I was certain my mother made up purely so I would miss the first 3 minutes of whatever sitcom I was newly obsessed with.  Regardless, getting downstairs for my half hour of TV was the ultimate goal.  Again, why?  I had just as much fun playing school with my friends or cards with my family, but when my mom wasn't home and it was just me and my dad, we'd cook up some meat and potatoes then bring them downstairs and pop in a movie.

It wasn't just me right?  I may be an extreme case, but it's not like I was the only kid that enjoyed some time watching stories unfold with beautiful people at the helm.  I mean, I went to school to study this stuff along with hundreds of other students, so there's no way it's just me.  The more I talked to people living on my floor or sitting next to me in class,

I realized there's an insane amount of reasons we get joy from immersing ourselves in the unreal.  For some it's about diving into a world where vampires and werewolves roam the earth, for others it's about understanding the world of advertising in the 1960s because who's going to read a book about such a thing, and for a few it's all about that anti-hero and his ongoing fight to save lives while popping vicodin.  Regardless, it's characters with a problem that you find yourself invested in despite telling everyone you could stop watching right now if you wanted to.  You don't even care about next weeks episode, I mean they obviously won't die in that explosion...right?  Of course not...but maybe one more just to be sure.

So that's it then?  It's these fictional people and their fictional issues?  This still doesn't explain why we care, why we watch.  Or does it?  Maybe it's all just serving as a well-crafted distraction.  We all have our own daily struggles; could be getting up every morning and going to a job you hate, could be learning how to stick up for yourself and telling your family to leave you alone, could be resisting the urge to grab a bottle of vodka and crawling into bed.  No matter how big or small, there's something we're all dealing with (or more often ignoring) that's sitting in the back of our mind, and an hour of Friday Night Lights might be just the thing to push it further away.  I won't lie... this has got to be the exact reason I've seen every episode of Friends more than three times each.  But this isn't always my reason.  Sometimes I want to be entertained.  Pure, unadulterated entertainment it's supremely satisfying, don't you think?  If you watch It's Always Sunny, you definitely understand what I'm saying.  No one watches that show to understand the world or learn anything.  Unless what you're trying to figure out is how to survive in the world as a horrible person, which does seem harder than one might think.

And lastly, the reason most professors seem to believe is the reason: we want to understand a world we'll never be a part of ourselves.  This has got to be why I watch Sons of Anarchy and Shameless.  Neither are very happy and they honestly aren't too good at distracting from your own problems because you're watching people struggle the whole

time.  All it does is remind you how awful life can be when you're backed into a corner.  But then there are those miraculous moments when they're all on the same page as something not tragic happens and they get to hug and laugh and you get to believe that things are okay sometimes and your life is nowhere as bad as theirs so you can totally handle your shit.  To be honest, I know they're characters and someone with a great imagination and a laptop is the one actually creating their strength and defiance, but that doesn't make this stuff any less inspiring.  If Fiona can take care of her siblings with an often non-existent paycheck, an alcoholic father, and an absentee mother, then I can most definitely study and pass my finals.  There's a courage in characters that's contagious if you're able to watch with the same dedication you gave to memorizing lines of Anchorman.

In conclusion (yes, I just said in conclusion like this was a paper for a 4th grade English class), we watch because we've developed a relationship.  That could be with the Bluth family or the town of Mystic Falls.  It could be with the essence of Downton Abbey or Pawnee's Parks Department.  In spite of knowing it's all fake and recognizing the importance of leaving the comfort of your favorite screen, we watch because we've allowed ourselves to create a (unhealthy) relationship with a world we only get to experience once a week (or for a few blessed days on end if you're binge watching).

chicago fire doesn't get enough credit

This show is severely underrated.  There's article after article about how hot the firefighters are (I'm not going to deny that's part of the initial draw), but after one episode, I promise you'll realize that doesn't make the top 5 reasons this show is amazing.

In fact, don't you worry, because I'll talk about the top 5 reasons and Taylor Kinney and Jesse Spencer's bodies won't be one of them.

THE CREW

Both the actors and the characters are diverse and unique.  This isn't a crew of white, middle-class twenty-somethings complaining about their love lives and how hard their jobs are, which is actually hilarious because none of them are currently part of a successful romance (okay, one guy is happily married) and their jobs are basically impossible.  While the focus was originally on Kelly (Kinney) and Casey (Spencer), the rest of the firehouse now receives an equal amount of attention.  Dawson (Monica Raymund) and Shay (Lauren German), the house's resident EMTs, who are regrettably the only regular female characters, get their own storylines almost every week.  It's a refreshing change of pace because they fill the roles well by being exactly as tough and smart as every other character on the show.  They aren't treated like "females" specifically, but just like members of the family.  Because that's what this group of people are: a family.  They risk their lives for each other daily and force each other to be the best kind of firefighters, friends, and people they can possibly be.  Whether it's Mills (the newest member) still learning the ropes or Mouch (the eldest member of the team) running for Union President or Otis (the group's comedic relief) causing general antics - they're never alone.  Someone reaches out and assists, no questions asked.  Like most workplace shows, there's a connection these characters share that no one else could possibly understand.  And because their work is so difficult and dangerous, their bond only gets stronger with each emergency they handle.  Maybe they have to cut a child out of the back of a car or climb crumbling stairs to save a family or maybe they're stuck handling an incoherent homeless man.  Whatever it is, they do it with a level head, which requires a certain kind of person - the ability to juggle emotional turmoil and physical pain all at once over and over again is no simple feat.  I think the most interesting aspect of this group is that they're all heroes.  No one is more of a hero because all of them are doing the same job.  These people aren't flawless, in fact, they're far from it, but they save lives everyday and they do it together regardless of any other drama they might be dealing with that day.  And while doctors and the police are also heroic on a regular basis, there's just something about firefighters.  They don't face any negative stigmas because all they do is run into horrific situations and bring innocent people to safety.  I dare you not to love them.

THE INTENSITY

This is a show where the main characters almost die on a regular basis.  And they'd be believable deaths, it's not like a soap opera that gives everyone cancer and then hits them with a car.  They're always in dangerous situations because they have no choice.  Because the show tries to remain true to the lives of firefighters, someone could be killed at any moment and I'd totally buy it.  I think one of the most impressive aspects of this show is the detail they give to each accident.  Often the characters arrive on the scene, handle the emergency, and then leave.  Because that's what firefighters do, they don't investigate or give lasting medical care.  They get in and out as fast and possible.  On the show, this happens anywhere between three and seven times, yet each catastrophe is fully executed.  There's no holding back because this is how horrible these accidents can really be.  In fact, I read in an article when the show premiered that they try to base each incident on one that has actually happened - making them that much more terrifying to watch.  They also fail and people die.  This isn't failing exactly because it's usually not their fault - the injury was fatal or the death was immediate.  But it's not like House where he miraculously cured almost every single patient to darken his hospital room.  Aside from the fact that I have no experience being a victim or a savior in these situations, they feel incredibly real.  Both dangerous and exhilarating so you're watching these scenes on the edge of your seat thinking "Why would anyone ever do this job?" and "Part of me wants to be on that ladder saving that kid's life." 

THE STORY ARCS

This is going to be short because otherwise it's going to get really confusing.  Essentially, this show is quick; they give arcs enough time to climax and then let them peter off.  We don't have to  watch two characters fight for some inane reason longer than friends actually would, which is extremely refreshing.  The two in the picture (Mills and Dawson) have a ridiculously believable story arc.  They meet, flirt, kiss, date, fight, make-up, fight, break up.  It's real and it's quick and it's emotional.  As exes they aren't best friends but they don't avoid each other either.  Not everything has to be so freaking dire, and I appreciate that this show pick and chooses which storylines need time to fester before wrapping them up.  There's still underlying tension over some decade-old lies, which makes sense.  But a miscommunication regarding a one night stand was solved with a confession and a punch to the face.  Maybe this is because they deal with life and death everyday, so while the rest of their lives are still important to them, they have some perspective, because at least they aren't drowning in a car.

THE RELATIONSHIPS

This is Kelly and Shay - they're best friends and it's awesome all the time.  Since she's gay, there's no awkward sexual tension or unrequited love.  They're simply best friends with a deep connection that they aren't afraid to discuss or fight for.  Relationships on this show are often like that.  The Chief is their boss and he has no problem acting like it, but he cares about his people and he tells them that regularly.  While the crew bickers constantly and hazes the newbie daily, there's a love between them all that they cling on to.  I'm starting to repeat myself because there isn't any other way to say it.  These are good people deep down and while that's tested regularly, they never fail.  Casey's best friend was killed in a fire, his wife later ends up in jail due to a DUI, and he takes her kids in without question.  Kelly finds out that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant so Shay (his roommate) makes room for the rest of the family.  Mouch's internet girlfriend comes to visit and despite the fact that the crew finds this endlessly amusing, they are nothing but kind to her.  Maybe this all stems from their inherent need for each other, but either way the strength in their connection is forever unwavering.

THE FACES

I only promised I wouldn't talk about their bodies...

characters that would be friends if they could be

Tim Riggins (Friday Night Lights) and Lip Gallagher (Shameless)

Think about it.  Really think about what it would be like if these two cocky yet lovable assholes were friends.  Man, the hearts (and probably a fair share of valuable objects) they’d break.  These guys are lazy, self-interested shit heads that it’s ridiculously hard not to root for.  If they teamed up, it would be beautiful anarchy.  Riggins would smile his way into any bar, club, or hot girl’s apartment without a second’s hesitation, and Lip has a way with words that can confuse any cop, gang banger, or parental figure in town.  Together: unstoppable… primarily because they’d compliment each other so well; both love the ladies (though Riggins seems to have a better eye spotting the sane ones), both enjoy a beer or six, and both believe in the importance of loyalty.  Riggins will do anything, and I do mean anything, to protect the select few he’ll admit to caring about, and Lip, well one episode will show you how much his family means to him – they’re all he’s got.  The scary part in both cases is that as far as these two are concerned, they’ve got nothing to lose, so they have no qualms when it comes to breaking the law or breaking your face. 

Most importantly, these two value respect, giving it and getting it.  And because of this alone, they’d be able to form a quick bond based solely on drinking and mutual appreciation.  Only major issue: they’re townies and their towns are nowhere near each other.  Riggins was barely able to survive a few hours outside of Dillon and Lip has made it perfectly clear that he has no desire to leave Chicago. 

Caroline (The Vampire Diaries) and Brooke (One Tree Hill)

The drama these two would cause.  Only downside to their instant BFF-ship is that there might be too much energy?  Their best friends on their respective shows are pretty glum, to be honest.  Elena and Bonnie spend most of their time moping and trying to save the world, while Peyton is hell bent on sketching her pain away.  Perhaps Caroline and Brooke benefit from the lackluster bestie because it allows them to shine.  NO.  I think these girls need a fun-buddy.  Think about how much time they spend begging others to join them in goofy shenanigans?  That wouldn’t happen when the other girl is already halfway there.  Wait.  But what if they fall for the same guy?  Won’t happen.  These two are loyal above all else and follow girl-code to a fault.  It’s their friends that seem to view the rules as a bit murky.  Caroline and Brooke wouldn’t need anyone else once they had each other.

And watching them would be more fun as well.  In fact, even if Caroline is a vampire in this scenario, I STILL think they’d get along famously.  Brooke isn’t one to judge (much), and she’d find ways to benefit from her girlfriend’s superpowers.  Or she may just turn into one herself.  Yet another upside?  They live pretty close together: Virginia and North Carolina.  Plus, they’re both cheerleaders and community activists.  The more I talk about it, the more I’m convinced this is a match made in friendship heaven.

Jax (Sons of Anarchy) and Elijah (The Originals)

This one may seem unlikely, but give me a second to explain.  Honor.  There I’m done.
I am so funny.  No but really, honor is the cornerstone of morality for these two.  Their word is everything and (unless tested by family), they’ll follow through.  Their code of ethics may be questionable,  but they don’t waver from that, which is the true difference between them and everyone else.  Jax is constantly battling his motorcycle club about what decisions to make (and they're far from arguing about right and wrong) and Elijah is at war with his brother daily (who never cared about right or wrong), so both men have made peace with their own moral compass.  They allow that to guide them and rarely second guess themselves.  I think they would be great friends, but not great partners.  Neither of them are great at being number two, though both are spectacula r at cleaning up other people's messes.  While their worlds have little in common, I can picture them getting together at the end of the day and helping each other navigate their respective problems.  Eljah would definitely have some experience that could help Jax handle all his inner-club drama and I think Jax would be able to assist Elijah as well, he HAS death with his fair share of psychotic killers.  Above all else, these two value the bond of family and will destroy anything that threatens to take that away from them.

Penny (The Big Bang Theory) and Rachel (Friends)

I think it's their general naiveté that would connect these two.  They're both quick to trust and don't question when others like them.  Penny and Rachel both have an inner spunk that you wouldn't expect, but they can throw down when they have to.  The fact that they come from such different backgrounds would only make their relationship more interesting because they could learn from each other and both of them take a kind interest in those around them.  Surprisingly, the only complication may come from their taste in men.  Both women fell for the nerdy, sweet type, which is funny considering they're shallow in every other aspect of their lives.  I mean, can't you imagine these two going on a shopping spree together?  No one would be

keeping them in check, so they'd probably buy half the store.  They wouldn't give each other crap for their terrible driving on the way over either.  Really these two have an insane amount in common but because they're both so a) likable and b) seem to like everyone else, I don't think it would be a problem.

forever the best friend

More often than not I prefer the best friend.  This is true in real life as well as TV and movies, but do I ever discuss real life?  Ha.  No.  So fiction it is.

I'm keeping this one short because I prefer brevity when reading posts myself, though I rarely do that with my own.

Seth Cohen (The OC)

I mean look at his little, innocent face.  I suppose you could argue Seth is the main character, but I'd tell you that you were wrong.  The OC is Ryan's story and Seth is a integral part of that story, but not the primary focus - at least not at the beginning.  That being said, I wouldn't have gotten passed the pilot without him.  Ryan is great and everything but dude, check the tank-top at the door and put on a smile.  No?  Well FINE, because Seth will diffuse your tension with his wit and graphic t's.  I think the reason I identified with Seth over Ryan, regardless of the fact that Ryan was new to this world, just like I was, is because he was exactly who he appeared to be: a complete dork.  In the most amazing, satisfying way possible.  He was a geek who had a real relationship with his parents and an unwavering dedication to voicing his emotions.  He professed his love to the resident bimbo (sorry, Summer) endlessly and never stopped trying to make Ryan laugh.  He had heart and a conscious and a loyalty that made him one of the bravest characters I've ever watched.  While insanely neurotic, Seth had a deep understanding of who he was, which is something I find ridiculously attractive because it gives characters a sense of strength.  Seth Cohen might not have been very strong and he might have been sarcastic and uncool, but he owned it in a way that made you want to be just like him.  Or, unfortunately for most straight girls watching, he made you want to find a guy just like him. (Though that appears to be easier said and done, and they're probably all dating their high school sweethearts anyway....) 

Haley James (One Tree Hill)

Haley was written into this show as Lucas' best friend.  Sure, she becomes Nathan's girlfriend then busts out as kick ass singer-songwriter that stops being defined by the guys in her life, but before all that she's just the closest friend Lucas has.  ANYWAY, she's awesome for three primary reasons: she speaks her mind, makes her own decisions (then stands by them), and she's hella smart.  Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of her character is the fact that she's not secretly in love with Lucas as most female friends tend to be when on TV.  Sure, she falls for the bad boy, but he falls first and she doesn't change for him.  She loosens up a little, but the girl owned a knit poncho, she needed it.  Honestly, she was one of the strongest characters on the show because she wasn't constantly questioning who she's supposed to be or what she's supposed to do every five seconds like oh, I don't know, Lucas.  The dude was unnaturally emotional, which let Haley be the calm voice of reason.  In real life, I'd want to be her friend if only because she could help me study.  But for real, she's genuine and honest and has an inner badass that makes her fiercely loyal and crazy lovable.



Shoshana (Girls)

I guess technically Marnie is the best friend?  Or was, anyway?  Regardless of all these girls, Shoshana is definitely the least focused on and what I want to know is WHY.  She's the most interesting because (until recently) her issues weren't completely self-inflicted.  She at least appears to care about other people whereas the other here self-absorbed idiots can't seem to think about anyone but themselves for longer than a few minutes.  Shoshana is  definitely crazy and for sure insecure, but she is just so much fun!  Think about legitimately anything she ever said and you'll realize I'm right.  She's the realest of the absurd and feels like a breath of fresh air.  It's unfortunate she gets the least amount of screen time.  Most of the time I watch Hannah, I wish she was Shoshana.  Same goes for everyone else too, except maybe Adam and potentially Ray.  But then they went and ruined her.  She destroyed the only good relationship because she learned from herself that self-inflicted misery was the way to go.  And I'm not saying her and Ray were perfect or meant to be but she could have talked to him before exploding.  Shoshana is basically the only part of Girls that makes me laugh, and for that alone, she made it to the list.

Marshall & Barney (How I Met Your Mother)

 

So I don't want to get into rants about why these two are so great because it can be said in one line: Because Ted is the worst.

Summer (The OC)

Who isn't awesome when compared to Marisa Cooper?  She was a mess and a half.  Summer might have been shallow and rude, but she cared about things.  Marisa just wandered around causing issues and taking pills.  Not that Summer was issue-less, but she was capable of thinking about others rather that only being wrapped up in her own drama.  Similar to her male counterpart, she had a lot of heart, and I think that's the primary reason she was better than Marisa.  Summer also grew up unlike her BFF, which may be my favorite part about her.  I know Ryan made a huge transformation, but Summer still may have changed more.  She falls for the dork and gets in Brown, who woulda thunk it from the girl who said, "Chino?  Ew." 

Stiles (Teen Wolf)

 

I've already written an entire post about this guy, so I don't want to write about him all over again (you should probably just read the other one).  In case you don't, here are the basics: he is undervalued yet always right and always trying.  He cares about every single person he comes into contact with regardless of their agenda or his own.  Though madly in love with the girl he may never have, his main focus remains his father and best friend.  Stiles is a fighter wrapped up in an insecure doofus.  Don't underestimate.



the voice is watching dreams come true

I should preface this by saying I don't watch any other competition shows (unless you count The Bachelor/Bachelorette, which is a completely other thing).  The reason I was always afraid to tune in to American Idol or The X Factor had nothing to do with the talent and everything to do with the judges.  Regardless of who was sitting up front deciding who was good enough to stay on the show, they're judges not coaches.  I don't know all the rules, so I won't pretend I do, but as far as I can tell - they give a little advice and a lot of criticism.  The praise is there, I've seen the clips, but it's lost under banter and belittlement.  On The Voice, these coaches are there to help and guide and truly take time to assist these artists be the best they can be.  In theory, even if you don't win The Voice or make it to the Top 8, you still got quality time with an epic talent.

Let's break down all the reasons this show is insanely satisfying to watch:


1. The Coaches

Look how happy and shiny they are - red was a nice choice... they're a good looking group.  ANYWAY, when I first saw this show (and I hate to admit it was after the Superbowl... I knew it was all a ploy to get new viewers and it worked on me), I didn't love their banter.  It felt forced and as though some producer was telling Christina to bitch and Adam to bicker.  CeeLo didn't say much of anything and Blake just stuck with the country charm.  Maybe they didn't know each other well enough?  Maybe they were still getting comfortable?  Maybe they were trying to compete with Simon's jackassness on Idol/X Factor?  Either way, it didn't work.  I obviously don't know what any of these people are like in "real life," but I can say that rude didn't look very natural on them.  NOW, however, they have it down.  They tease, sure, but it's a friendly game rather than a bloody battle.  They all have their sounds and strengths, and they're aware of their own abilities, each other's talents, and what would be the best for the terrified person on stage.  It really feels like a show with four incredibly gifted and lucky people that are trying to spread their love and knowledge of music.  Any time with any of these coaches would be a fantastic opportunity for those select few that take a chance and let er rip.  The most interesting part for me as a viewer is when you have strong opinions for who would be best for each artist.  Just because I'm a huge Maroon 5 fan doesn't mean I think Adam should get all male pop/rock stars.  And I don't always believe Christina should take the female powerhouses.  It's about personality and confidence, both of which are plentiful in those bright, red chairs.  These four are there to nurture and there's a beautiful comfort in that.

2. The Rules

So after the Blind Auditions, there's the Battle Round, which I don't really like, but they made it as nice as a "battle" could possibly be.  Two people on the SAME team are paired up to sing a duet.  They have to harmonize and perfect the performance while still attempting to outshine their competitor.  Each coach brings in a friend from the music business, like Kelly Clarkson or Cher or Ed Sheeran, who assists the coach in helping the contestants.  After the performance, the coach has to send someone home.  This is the part I don't like.  I prefer the coaches remain coaches instead of acting like judges, BUT the twist... the remaining contestant can be stolen by another coach.  Throughout all the battles, the coaches each have two steals.  This is the freakin best.  Obviously, you watch people go home more than get saved, but the moment when they think it's all over and they're back to waitressing or selling insurance and then another coach presses their button... amazing.  Their hope is back and they have another chance.  The Voice is essentially about chances and the people willing to take them.  Whether it's a contestant entering the arena or a coach ready to help one more person - risks are taken and dreams are made.

Listen to how amazing these people sound together...

What.

Next there's the Knockouts where two singers, again on the same team, are back in the ring.  This time, though, they sing alone while the other watches on.  Again, the coach needs to send someone home.  After Battles and Knockouts - we're on to live performances where America takes the wheel and the coaches can return to doing what they do best.


3. Talent

These people are INSANE.  They have so much drive and they're so different.  The true beauty of this show is that it's all about their voices not their look.  Even if we try not to let someone's attractiveness or lack thereof sway our opinion, it often does anyway.  On this show, that has nothing to do with getting a shot.  The coaches can't see you, they can only hear you, and that alone is how they determine whether or not to turn around. 

**Please note their families joy at watching them succeed.

Here's a perfect example of how it works both ways.  Dez is an insanely good looking human...

And Nick's got something else goin' on...

But they both got the same opportunity and made their own unique impression.

 

This is a show about music rather than a show just about competition. For these people, this is their moment, their time and they're ready.

 

 

 

 

 

Every week, a dream comes true, and due to the nature of the show, going home doesn't mean the dream has died.  You made connections and an impression on America, and you are one step closer to having it all.