Ep. 69: Belligerent Optimism

Hi! My name is Terry J. Aman and this installment marks my 69th episode of "VideoFuzzy," reporting the progress I've made in cataloging more than 2,900 VHS transfers and digital recordings. In this installment, titled "Belligerent Optimism," comments on "Grey's Anatomy" segue into overarching themes, and in milestone news, as of this episode I've cataloged Disc 1000 in my Classic Collection! I posted a "throwback Thursday" pic on my VideoFuzzy Facebook page of me and that disc from when I first burned it in April 2009 to when I finally cataloged it last month. Check it out!

In Corrections, the release date on the next James Bond, "No Time to Die," has been pushed to next year sometime. Also, I admit to cultural appropriation at times in this production, slipping into voice and characters in my podcast, impressions and other instances. I try to limit the inappropriateness of these instances, but I am aware of them, and if something sounds wrong, please contact me. I'm always trying to do better.

In Old Business, I wanted to highlight and celebrate other aspects of comedian Sarah Silverman's work, and wish her a happy 50th in December.

In my Friday Night Feature, I find a strong episode of "Grey's Anatomy" on disc 976, centered on a death row inmate who is expressing contrition and a wish that his organs, scheduled for termination at the hand of the state, save a young boy in need of a liver transplant. I pulled up a past episode for some background on the story arcs this fifth-season episode, "Stairway to Heaven," resolves, closing on a stark realization for Izzy Stevens in hallucinating her late boyfriend Denny Duquette.

In cross connections, I am struck by how the realities of cancer have touched, darkened, textured and destroyed lives of patients, survivors, friends and families throughout human history. My show title is from an interview by late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who succumbed to cancer recently. I noted several storylines I'd traced in discs from this set like "Grey's Anatomy," "Nip/Tuck" and "Battlestar Galactica" and other shows in my collection, together with such high-profile losses of Ginsburg, Gwen Ifill, Richard Hatch, Eddie Van Halen and Diana Rigg.

In more conventional cross connections, I look at Eric Stolz in "Grey's Anatomy," Dina Meyer in "Nip/Tuck," Gena Rowlands and Marc Vann in "Monk," Andy Richter in "Bones," Danny Strong in "Leverage," Maggie Siff in ABC's "Life on Mars" reboot, Mira Sorvino and Omar Sharif in NBC miniseries "The Last Templar," Tom Irwin in "24" and "LOST," and oh WOW there were just a ton of cross-connections in the office dramedy "Trust Me," including Eric McCormick, Tom Cavanaugh, Tim Russ, Jason O'Mara, Adam Scott, Monica Potter, Griffon Dunn and Rhea Seehorn. I close out by tracing a Golden Thread on Chase Kim, appearing in my recording of "Leverage" on disc 1000.

In my classic VHS-to-DVD collection, comments on an episode of "Fringe" open onto a Fond Reflection on the recent passing of Diana Rigg. On a related note, a fan posted this video celebrating the vivacious Mrs. Emma Peel.

Also, I've archived a recording from the inauguration of Barack Obama across four discs, with comments on the season 4 finale of "The West Wing," "Battlestar Galactica," "Nip/Tuck" and "South Park," Fox Movie Channel's presentation of "Looking for Richard," and the Turner Classic Movies presentation of "Annie Hall."

In my Current direct-to-DVD recordings, comments on "Fargo," "Archer," Syfy's presentation of "Dead Still," IFC's presentation of "Eyes Wide Shut" and the Sundance presentation of "The Green Mile." Plus I trace the rather eye-popping body of work by actor Steven Tobolowsky.

Finally, I have updated my Facebook and podcast page to include a "top ten" episode guide for people looking for a quick read-in on this blog and podcast effort. Enjoy!