Galavant: An Interrupted Moment

Last week on “Galavant:” Our singing heroes reached Valencia’s shores and took a break at the Monastery of the Brothers of Our Father of Perpetual Singing, led by Brother Weird Al. Isabella was racked with guilt over having to lead Galavant into a trap while Richard was giddy over the prospect of capturing Galavant at last. Magdalena decided to take matters into her own hands. And Chef was in love. But he had to stand up his lady love when Magdalena switched him for Galavant on the gallows. She offers Galavant a chance to live in the palace as her boy toy but he refuses, seeing her for what she is. He also starts to see Isabella in a new light as those in the dungeons plot. Richard goes with Chef to see Ricky Gervais and realizes his insecurities stem from his brother, Kingsley. And guess who Magdalena has summoned? Kingsley!

Things are heating up for this finale!

Galavant: Realizing Some Truths

When we last left our heroes before the commercial break, they had been captured by Richard after Galavant and Sid discovered Isabella had betrayed them. Sentenced to death, Galavant is saved when Magdalena switched him for the Chef, who thought he was on his way to a romantic dinner with the queen’s handmaiden Gwynne. Thankfully, the king realized the switch before he hanged his favorite Chef.

Now what?

Galavant: Have Fun Storming the Castle!

Last time on Galavant: Galavant and Isabella spend the night in Sid’s hometown, where they learn Sid hasn’t been truthful about his adventures. The townfolk believe he’s the hero and Galavant is his squire. Galavant reluctantly plays along while Isabella gets a little too involved, claiming she and Sid are betrothed. Sid’s parents throw a ball in their honor. Meanwhile, in Valencia, Richard throws a ball to relieve the boredom he’s feeling. It doesn’t go so well—mostly because Richard has done away with most things needed for a ball while invading Valencia—until he turns it into a roast. The Eunuch finally tells the king that his wife is cheating with the Jester, ending the party. Richard seeks out the Jester, asking to learn how to make the queen laugh. Meanwhile, Galavant helps the Pirate Lord Bonneville’s pirates fix their boat while Isabella grapples with her guilt over leading Galavant into a trap.

With Valencia in sight, let the show begin!

Galavant: A Pirate’s Life for Me

Anyone else disoriented by the start of this episode? I felt like the previous episode needed a better, more proper ending. We go from Sid telling his parents they need to talk to our singing heroes on the road again. It was jarring and I was like “What just happened?”

Our trio starts with a song about how they are the best of friends now and are working well together. Except when they are getting on each other’s nerves. Like how Galavant eats all the raisins out of the trail mix, how Sid feels likes a third wheel and how Isabella snores at night. (She also eats with her mouth open). But otherwise, they’re doing alright as they reach the waterway which will lead them to Valencia. Isabella suggests they go another way due to bandits but Galavant doesn’t listen to her.

(There might be some tension)

Guess what happens? If you guessed they get captured by bandits—you’re right! Congrats!

(Oops)

Galavant: Let’s Have a Kiki

Last week: We are introduced to Galavant, a brave knight quashed when the love of his life willingly marries the king. The king, though, appears to be on the losing end of that deal as she’s demanding and cold to him. Galavant is then charged by Princess Isabella of Valencia to help her free her country from Richard. He agrees, unaware Isabella is working for the king. After a training montage and defeating Sir Uncle Jesse in a joust, Galavant is feeling more like his old self.

Oh, and there’s lot’s of singing along the way.

And that’s what you missed on Glee Galavant.

Nostalgia Nook: Happily Ever After

It’s easy to believe Disney has a monopoly on fairy tales. And in some ways, they do. Yet there are a few who give Disney a run for their money. For example, a few years ago, I covered Shelley Duval’s “Fairie Tale Theater.” And now, I’m covering HBO’s animated take on fairy tales.

We have clear visions of what a fairy tale princess and prince look like: Blond hair, blue eyes, white as Wonder Bread. Of course, most of them are based off the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales, which were German in origin. (Hitler, Nazism and the Aryan belief didn’t just come out of nowhere, after all). But HBO took that and went: “Nah, man. We’re going to make sure every child can see themselves in the fairy tale. So there!”
Thus, we have “Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child.”

Once upon a SPOILER!

Galavant: Hark! It is John Stamos!

ABC has made the decision to air “Galavant” back to back to fill an hour. Not entirely sure why, but hey—time for more Galavant!

We open with Galavant being reunited with Magdalena. Except not as King Richard soon appears. Galavant tries to fight him but he’s not wearing any pants. Everyone starts to laugh and Galavant starts screaming.

It’s at that point he wakes up. Isabelle and Sid are glad—he’s been screaming for a while. They break camp and head out to continue their quest. And they sing about it as well. It’s not as catchy as the title song, but it’s good. Isabella even slips in that she’s working for the king and Galavant thinks he hears her but she keeps singing that he didn’t hear anything.

(A nightmare as old as time)

Galavant: The Mightiest Earworm Ever

It may even be more catchy than It’s a Small World.

Admit it: You’re singing it now.

Yes, that opening song to “Galavant,” ABC’s foray into musical TV shows. In it, we learn everything we need to know: Galavant is the greatest hero in some unnamed faraway kingdom. He falls in love with Magdalena and the two are quite happy together. Until one day the king, Richard, decides to kidnap Magdalena and make her his queen. We open on their wedding day as Galavant rides to rescue his beloved.

There’s just one problem: she’s decided that she’d rather have the fame and fortune Richard can give her over Galavant’s love. So she lets him down and marries the king. Heartbroken, Galavant retreats to his humble cottage and begins wallowing. And that’s where our story truly begins.

(Who doesn't want to be queen?)

Aladdin: Once Again, Genie Steals the Show

Disney on Broadway strikes again! This time, the House of Mouse offers it’s 1992 classic “Aladdin” in live musical form.

My family and I went to go see it after Thanksgiving. We trooped into the city and made our way to the New Amsterdam theater. Our performance played to almost a full house, which was nice. Even if the person a few seats down from me spent nearly the entire show on his or her cell phone until the usher flashed them to put the phone away.

Let’s go ride on a magic carpet into a whole new world of SPOILERS!

A Royal Christmas: Because A Princess for Christmas Was Taken

No, I’m pretty sure that’s why the title was chosen. Because the other one was taken. It’s still an American girl, a small European nation and being out of her element. And of course, Christmas.

So grab your tiara and avoid the SPOILERS!

Top 10 News Stories of 2014

Hard to believe but 2014 is over. It’s been a year. And as we’re bidding it farewell, let’s take a look back. Once again, these are the top news stories as voted on by the monkeys in my head. They look forward to this every year.

Here’s to 2014!