So I just realized....

[jaina47]

 VENICE!

I haven't said a thing about it all season - the past 2 months! Eight episodes of pure freaking awesome!  No, really. It is so much better than Season 1. 

They got rid of Leslie Kay. I have no great dislike for the actress, but she just didn't gel for me and I'm glad they didn't just try to keep making that work. 

The writing - it ain't perfect, but what is? - but it's also a hundred times better than last season. It's broken into actual episodes, so that it's watchable - episodic television vs. a movie that you just see in spaced out, weekly chunks. 

And while we're talking about episodes, lets mention episode lengths. Because, guys? The little ticker said 18:36 or something like that for episode time the other day. No lie. None of this three minute crap. 

As for the plot/characters, well the season started with a bang, and it's continued on nicely. There's only been one episode where I've been a little meh. One episode - the most recent - even made me write fic.  Which is awesome.  The Lara/Ani progressed on as you would expect from the previous season but with better chemistry and a bit of tension lurking in the background which added some spice to it. Gina and Ani aren't together. Not yet. But that doesn't mean that their scenes aren't filled with every bit of the chemistry they possess and all the layers that Otalia brought to the table. 

Well worth watching if you're an Otalia fan jonesing for a new fix, or just for someone who wants to watch a good show with girls making out with girls. Girls who just so happen to be incredibly hot. 

Because if possible, Venice got even prettier than last season. Seriously. 

And, why, you ask, if this is as awesome as you say, have you not been rhapsodizing about it here on LJ? Well, I have just not on my LJ. My bad, check out Rysler's awesome Venice reviews here. 

Comments

[ceridwyn2.livejournal.com]

I know. As I've mentioned to rysler, I had some similar intents this year, and then I realized, 'hey, Rylser, Jaina & Kelinswriter are doing these amazing recaps - send people over there instead' [okay, so that's my laziness talking as well.]

[jaina47.livejournal.com]

Hee. Yes, I know what you mean. I just get to squee to Rysler and she transforms it into something awesome. With pictures! :D

[ralst.livejournal.com]

I agree, this season is so much better, and it's somewhat reassuring to see a show change this much and correct all the obvious teething problems. Tracey and Gina/Tracey just didn't work so the fact that they didn't try and force it was the biggest relief of the season. I actually found the initial chemistry between Ani and Lara more enjoyable but I do like how they're building the relationship and the relationship issues. As for Ani and Gina I generally loved their scenes last season (repetition problems aside) but I'm enjoyed even more the re-establishing of their friendship and the hints of Ani/Gina to come (presumably).

Lengthening the episodes and making them real episodes has been a giant plus. It also feels as if there are proper storylines this time around and I like the fact they've given characters like Jamie more to do.

So, yeah, much better. There's still a lot of room for improvement but when isn't there? *g*

[jaina47.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think that's what made me the happiest - the willingness to change something that wasn't working and admit it. For the episode length as well. And the lack of Jessica.

Yes, Jamie has been awesome this season. Although I've actually enjoyed the Colonel and Gina waaaaay more than I thought I would. They've almost become the comic relief. How the heck did that happen?

[ralst.livejournal.com]

And the lack of Jessica.

Absolutely!

The lack of Ani/Jessica in the first half of the first season really made it quite forgettable for me and if the second had continued in that way I probably wouldn't have stuck around. I am surprised by exactly how much I love the character of Ani but I find her totally adorable.

The Colonel and Gina - in their storyline - have also really grown on me this time around. Her antics with the ball really made me smile in the last episode.