It is Tuesday - for the last few weeks, that has meant "Selfie" in the evenings on TV. Now, you might well ask; why am I watching a lack luster broadcast sitcom in this day of 500 cable channels, Netflix and YouTube - but there is an explanation: Karen Gillan. I have had a crush on her "Amy Pond" character since she first appeared on Dr. Who, and I have dutifully attempted to see Ms Gillan in other roles, just because. I have yet to be disappointed (her performance as Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy was extremely entertaining), and the fact that she landed the lead in a US Broadcast sitcom just made it that much easier to keep following her acting choices. I have read that Selfie has not been renewed after the initial 13 episodes (and it's even unclear if they'll broadcast all that they have), which is too bad, it was definitely improving as the characters were able to flesh themselves out over the past few weeks. But it isn't great - not by any means: it is a weak homage to My Fair Lady, with Ms Gillan's character named Eliza and the plots revolving around her "Mr Higgins" (played quite nicely by John Cho) tutoring her in proper behavior in Corporate America (her character's default behavior seems to be a supremely self absorbed woman who has difficulty understanding concepts like "helping someone out") . I think that the producers are trying to make her character somewhat "corporate inappropriate" by dressing Eliza in very short shorts, revealing tops or short skirts, but I think she just looks stylish and cute (her remarkably long legs seem to suffer such costumes rather well). Probably the most disconcerting part (for me) is her remarkable American Accent (I have to admit that I much prefer her Inverness accent, which was in full force at the Con I attended). I have (so far) been unsuccessful in viewing any of her other endeavors, such as the American film Occulus or her British films or other British TV work - apparently the powers that be do not feel the same as I do about her, not making any of her other work easily accessible in this country.
I had the unmitigated pleasure of actually "meeting" her, twice, at the Philly Wizard Con earlier this year (by buying a "Karen Gillan Experience VIP Ticket" for more than I care to admit). I chatted with her for at least 10 seconds at her autograph table and then again when Bunny and I got our picture taken with her in our unbelievably fast Photo Session. I also attend her Guardians of the Galaxy Panel at the Con (this was before the film's release), and I must say that her public persona is as happy and bubbly as any actor I have ever had the pleasure to see - I don't know what she's really like, of course, but I was very taken with her: she looked into everyone's eyes at both the Photo Booth and the Autograph table, greeting them and appearing quite pleased to make their acquaintance. I'll always wonder what it would be like to get to know her.