Bitten by Books
Greetings, readers. This week we begin another new EXCLUSIVE column here at Bitten by Books, discussing television shows and the occasional movie with a paranormal slant.
We will get things started here with a discussion of The Gates, which airs Sunday nights on ABC. Your hostess: Carol
So far, I am enjoying the show, as I appreciate the mysterious backgrounds of the residents, both human and otherwise. The special effects have been pretty good, as well. My favorite scene: Claire leaping from the upstairs balcony down to the first floor – chilling.
My main problem with the second episode concerns Lukas’s character. In the first episode, he is the one trying to calm Brett down but, in the second one, he completely loses it and goes off half-cocked against Charlie. Now, I understand that as a teenage werewolf, his hormones will be ramped up and even more out of whack, but that change strikes me as too extreme and quick. However, the lightning-fast change may be the way the writers are choosing to emphasize the aforementioned hormonal situation.
I am intrigued enough by the show that I will continue to keep tuning in each week. So, if you have seen The Gates, which are your favorite characters? Which ones do you wish would disappear? What storyline most intrigues you? Favorite scene? Will you continue to watch?
Upcoming discussions will feature Warehouse 13, Haven, and Eclipse.
What other shows and movies would you like to discuss this summer?
I have been so excited about this new column Carol. I have only watched episode 1 so far of the gates.
I pretty much found it hard to suspend belief and a bit hokey. I am going to tune into the rest of the series and see if it gets better. It just seemed forced and stiltled I guess?
What do you all think?
Now I am about to jumpu up and down for some Warehouse 13, Sanctuary etc. I can’t wait!
Rachel, I agree with you about a bit stilted. However, sometimes it takes an episode or two for a show to find its footing, so I will keep watching.
I find the premise intriguing, and am looking forward to learning more about the backstories of some of the characters.
I absolutely HATED this show. It was so boring and the acting stunk. I gave it two tries but when it’s this bad I can’t waste any more of my time. Wondering about Pretty Little Liars though.
I watched it and I have to agree with Viki.
Its interesting, to be sure. I’m really enjoying it!
I’m actually liking it so far, and I was fully prepared for it to be some kind of dumb Twilight/Vampire Diaries rip-off.
I have the first two recorded on my DVR but due to remodeling I haven’t really been able to sit down and watch much TV. The commercials I’ve seen for it and glimpses I’ve gotten look pretty good but as I always say I’m my own critic. I usually never listen to critics because I find my tastes are completely different. As soon as work slows down for me around my house I plan to sit down and watch them.
As far as TV shows goes…..Trueblood (oh, yeah) and I do actually like the Vampire Diaries. I just love Damons sense of humor.
OMG — I want to see this show. I thought that didn’t start yet. I need to catch up. I can’t wait to talk about Warehouse 13 I love that one. Heard about Haven and that looks interesting.
I really liked the new show because it has a lot going on. Vamps, weres, witches, and now a succubus! Totally awesome. I love supernatural shows and this one is really good because it has more than one. Definitely a show I hope makes it!
Yes, Jessica, I am curious to see how they are going to portray the succubus angle.
me too I have read alot of succubus books and i have an image in my head about the character and how she is portrayed I just hope they dont let me down
I saw the first episode but missed the second. It seemed slightly like a spoof to me, only not funny. I’m hoping it gets better.
I actually haven’t seen this yet - but am off to look if I can catch an episode on line…
Haven’t seen the Gates. Not sure if I knew it existed. But I do watch Warehouse 13, will probably watch Haven (since it’s Stephen King-based) and did read and see Eclipse. Any chance of Vampire Diaries or True Blood discussions?
Great column idea! I’ve been waiting to hear more about The Gates before giving it a try — as in, will it last more than six episodes? I’ve had my heart broken by too many TV shows to commit to a good paranormal fantasy without knowing if it’ll stay on for a full season!
I know I want to kick the teen werewolf jock in the freaking head. I am like DUDE come on STALKER much? lol
Yes we will do True Blood for sure.
I have only watched eposide 1 so far but I have the other one on my DVR.
I really enjoyed the story line so far and the special effects were really good
So far I like the show and I am excited to see where it goes as the plot thickens.
Sorry to say that I watched 20 minutes of The Gates and then changed the channel…I was hoping for more….ummm unrestraint maybe? I like the idea of the sun not really affecting them..and that they lead normal…semi-normal..lives but there were just not enough there for me to just say “okay I’m here in this show”..now True Blood…had it from day 1…Sanctuary and Warehouse 13- were totally awesome. But that is my opinion about The Gates…my taste is not everyone’s though…and I am thankful for that.
So far, I am liking the Gates. I’m interested to see what’s going on with the blonde witch having Claire’s blood. I have to say that the sherrif gets on my nerves a bit. Plus, I completely called that girl being a succubus. You think I read too much UF???
FOr other shows, I love me some Warehouse 13 & Santuary!!! The premiere for Warehouse 13 was great yesterday.
I agree about Warehouse, and we will be discussing that one shortly.
I, too, am curious about the blood — you know that witch is up to no good.
I know she’s lying about the spell. I see her framing her for some murder or something just as bad…
I like the show, I don’t love it yet. Sometimes it takes tv shows a couple episodes to get into their flow, so I’ll give it some more time to develop.
Hopefully they will delve more into the actual details of each paranorm. I hope they’ll go more into the witches. They seem to be more vague about them than the werewolves and vampires.
I haven’t seen Sanctuary, but I love Warehouse 13 and will definitely give Haven a try.
We could talk about past shows that we liked (or didn’t like) that didn’t make the cut like New Amsterdam, Brimstone, Wolf Lake.
I am not going to be able to participate much in this new column. I don’t watch tv and have never even heard of The Gates.
OH I was engrossed in episode 1!!! I had to watch episode #2 was good - but there was a bit that felt rushed in a way. (sort of like you mentioned) I wanted the writers to slow down a bit. They have this awesome world (IMO) & I am afraid if they “rush” it — it’ll crumble. I’m just afraid we won’t learn about the characters/their point of views/their backgrounds.
Libby — I LOVE Being Human, and we will definitely discuss that one after it starts back up on 7/24. The Season One DVD comes out the Tuesday before.
I am a huge Torchwood fan, as well.
As far as The Gates goes, since it is a summer show ABC is more likely to let it play out, I think.
I’m glad that so many of you are interested in this type of discussion.
As far as Supernatural (probably my favorite current genre show) and Vampire Diaries go, we will most certainly feature discussions of them, likely a bit later in the summer when the shows are getting ready to start up again.
Other upcoming discussions, some mentioned previously: True Blood, Being Human, Demons (though I’m not sure when it will be back on), Torchwood, Sanctuary, Medium, Eureka, and we may bemoan the demise of Ghost Whisperer.
Stay tuned, and Happy Watching!
I am watching it but not sure what to think yet. I will hang in for a few more episodes and give it a chance.
I haven’t watched this show and probably never will. What I saw in the promos made me think that they are just trying to get on the “Twilight” bandwagon.(and I’m not into that either, although my daughter is).
Are you only going to talk about current TV series or will you also talk about older ones like Buffy, Charmed, Highlander, etc.?
Yet one more show I have yet to see:) It hasn’t been on air over here yet, but I’d think I’d check it out if it were, seems interesting.
A lot of great shows are already mentioned above, so I’ll just add that I’d also be interested in discussing Angel, Moonlight and Blood Ties.
I’m enjoying The Gates so far in spite of its stilted nature. I really am interested in the Succubus storyline and seeing where that goes. I also like that these vampires, etc. are trying to live normal lives among humans in a gated community, though I wonder if the gates are for them or the humans outside.
I hope that you all talk about True Blood and Sanctuary.
I did not watch this show. I was watching the sc-fi channel, and forgot all about it. I think this will be a great column. I would love to discuss Sanctuary, I don’t get HBO but I have read all of the True Blood books and they are great. Thanks, Lisa D.
I hadn’t heard of this show. Not even any promos. I love Warehouse 13. And the new Haven show looks somewhat interesting.
Sue B
Being Human for sure! I want to say Haven, but I’m not sure that would fall under the paranormal genre.
Ah I think Lukas acted the way he did because of the stress of the situation. He thought it had been taken care of, but WHAM this new sheriff who is making all sorts of trouble for everyone involved is bringing it up and ruining the happy family moment Lukas had. I’d be pissed off too.
Oh I love Claire. I love Rhona Mitra, so that’s not that surprising, but I love her. I hope things work out. I really do. I do not like Devon-even though I tend to like her sorts of character-the sly, amoral sort-something about her rubs me the wrong way.
Lexie C.
i didn’t even know this was on, but now i’m intrigued. hopefully if i watch it this sunday i won’t be too lost….
Kisah, you can catch the first two episodes online at abc.com.
all right! gotta love the power of the internet! thank you….
Actually, this is the first I’ve heard of The Gates. I watch True Blood and Merlin, and that’s about it for the summer. It does sound interesting, though.
Diana, we will be discussing Merlin, also. I love that show!
I’ve watched several episodes and so far I’m on the fence. I was a litte confused with the change in Luka’s character as well. I’m not sure if I have a favorite character yet, I’m leaning toward the sheriff and his family though.
Wow-I don’t watch much TV, so I have to admit that I didn’t even know that Gates existed! How neat that more and more shows include paranormal story lines-there’ll be plenty of fodder for future discussions!
HI. I have never heard of the Gates. I will have to check it out….
I’d like to see some discussion Eureka, too.
I haven’t seen Gates yet. Maybe I can find it on-demand. I’d like to see an episode or three before I judge but I’ve heard very uneven reviews so far.
I have the pilot recorded and still have to watch it. I’m hoping it’s good and not just a soap opera where they plug in supernatural elements. With the Twilight movies and True Blood they are all trying to jump on the Bandwagon:)
Huh… all that you mentioned Gates, Warehouse, Have and Eclipse I have not watched, nor did I even heard about them. I am a bit “picky” about what I watch. If they are like Twilight then I won’t even bother. I tried watching Vampire Diaries but just eh couldn’t hold my interest. I’m just waiting for Ghost Adventures (sorry not into Ghost Hunters) to air new episodes this September. Mm, I do hope Zak goes shirtless on some episodes. * cheeky grin*
Gates…… spent first episode trying to like it, never could get through second episode.
I have not gotten to watch this yet. I will check and see if it’s available on demand, I can’t believe I missed the first episodes!! I do want to check it out.
I have rsvped - is this the spot to enter the contest. Not easy to find; am I dumb - duh - lol.
My question is who is your favorite author/autobuy? And what book will you always remember and why?
I have rvsped, but not sure this is the site for the contest?
How did you feel the when you saw your first published book on the shelves?
Pat L.
Pat, you are posting in the wrong discussion. There are a few author events going on.
i wathc the gates, but wasnt impressed, im ggoing to give it a couple more eps, then it does find its groove, then i quit, but ill cont to record it if not watchign something else, just so the tv ppl will know ppl want paranormal tv shows
o tami b
[email protected]
Comment by tamibates
I have watched the gates and I’m still waiting on it to draw me in. so far it hasn’t
Haven’t watched The Gates. Not sure we even get it. I did see a commercial for it while visiting my sister. Sounds interesting.
I’ve watched the show and was hoping to like it more than I did. The last episode didn’t really do it for me. It just seems like with all these supernatural creatures there should be a higher escalation of action, or at least tension. I will keep watching to see what happens, but I really hope this doesn’t fall behind and become another of the shows we once raved about that gets canceled.
great column. I love movies and TV shows based on the paranormal just as much as books, so I am really excited to be reading what everyone has to say. I admit, I have have not checked out The Gates, yet.to me it seems like a “Desperate Housewives” type show just with paranormal characters. A little too “soapy” for me. I think too many networks are trying to gain viewers based on the success of the genre right now. I didn’t liek Vampire Diaries ,either. Supernatural is IMO one the best shows dealing with the paranormal. It’s creative, action-filled and at times very funny. That Medium and True Blood are a few of may favorites and I hope they will be discussed here soon,too!
Thanks for joining us, Lisa.
Yes, we will definitely be discussing both Medium and True Blood, as well.
And Supernatural — absolutely.
For those of you watching, The Gates does return tonight after its holiday hiatus last week.
Stay tuned for forthcoming discussions of all of the shows I previously mentioned, plus Smalville, which I forgot to add earlier.
Happy Viewing!
Okay, so who watched last night?
Yikes!
Loved the first episode. Yeah, it could use a little polishing but I’m hoping with time we’ll get a great paranormal series that will be around awhile. Me, I’m still pissed that they took off Moonlighting. I keep hoping I’ll hear they’ve decided to shoot more episodes. Yeah, yeah, I know that Alex O’Loughlin has yet again been cast in a new series but maybe if it bombs they’ll give him a chance at a show that would be a great addition to the crap they’ve got on TV.