Review: Arrow 2x09 "Three Ghosts"

Original air date: Dec. 11, 2013

Alright, so here it goes.  As sophisticated a review as I can write while I am internally screaming about everything that happened this episode.  I’m going to take a deep breath and hope that fangirl feels don’t come tumbling out.  No promises.  Winter hiatus is going to be a bitch.  That I do know for sure.

After the cliff hanger from last week we find a dying Oliver and a very surprised and confused Barry.  Being able to think quick on his feet (was that a pun?) Barry uses rat poison to return Oliver to normal.  Well as normal as Oliver can be, he seems to be having a little bit of issues with some hallucinations.

This episode was very much about Oliver dealing with his inner demons, actually more like ghosts.  Three ghosts to be exact.

Three ghosts at Christmas? That’s crazy talk for sure, but just like Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver finds himself visited by three ghosts.  Except instead of asking him to visit past, present and future Christmases they instead have very different messages for Oliver.  Shado asks Oliver to give up his fight before he loses those he cares most about.  Slade accuses Oliver of causing death and destruction in his wake.  Then Tommy (and no I was NOT crying.  I just had a best friend caught in my eye) tells Oliver to get up and fight because that is who he is, he is a hero.

Sidenote: Small Remodeling and New Links

If you take a look up at the menu bar, you will see I put it on a slight diet.  All the pages are still there, but in efforts to streamline it a bit they can all be found under their respective tabs.

The "FAQ" and "What I'm Watching" pages are now under the "About" Section.

You will also find a new twitter link listed under the "Links" Section.  There you can not only find the Telesized Tumblr, the Official Telesized Twitter, but also my personal Twitter account.

There you can find updates on what I'm watching and random TV thoughts either too mean or too random to include in most reviews.  It's like Christmas but with more... me.

Don't forget to follow the Telesized tumblr, where I post "Quick Bits".

During a week I watch many shows and only a few of them get full reviews.  Some of the shows that I seriously love but just don't have time for a full review get "Quick Bits", which is basically a short list of my favorite scenes and a few observations from the episode.

That concludes my Sidenote for now.  So now I take you back to your regularly scheduled programs.

Review: Arrow 2x08 "The Scientist"

Original air date: Dec. 4, 2013

Now, that’s how you introduce a new character.  As I’m sure y’all all know, Arrow gave us a small preview of Barry Allen aka The Flash.  Later he’ll have his own pilot on the CW network but for now this was a great start. 

Barry Allen, the titular 'Scientist' (Grant Gustin), shows up in Sterling City this week.  He’s investigating a break in at Queen Consolidated’s applied sciences division.  The act of a single super strength man, but that could hardly be possible, right?  Well, Blood finally has a super solider and plans to use him to gather supplies to make himself a few more.  He plans on using the same serum that Oliver come across during his island years on the War World II Japanese submarine.

Moira is back from prison, but besides her family no one else is all too happy to have her back.  Isabel doesn't want her at the company.  When Oliver tries to throw her a lavish party, no one shows.  Merlin continues to threaten her, insisting she tell Thea the truth of her parentage.  After everything though, Moira isn't afraid anymore.  She calls upon probably the scariest person she could have, Ra’s Al Ghul.  The only person she’s sure will frighten Merlin into leaving Thea alone.  Ra's Al Ghul isn't too pleased with Merlin after the Undertaking.  That was kind of a no-no on Merlin's part. 

Review: Supernatural 9x09 "Holy Terror"

Original air date: Dec. 3, 2013

I was instructed to text my friend as soon as I finished watching this episode.  She was a miserable mess of feelings and wanted to make sure I was right there with her.  As she predicted, I was.  Now I think most of us all expected that Ezekiel wasn’t who he said he was.  I was still clinging on to the hope that he was Lucifer and we were going to get a glimpse of Endverse.  A fallen angel was using Sam as a meatsuit, Cas was human… all we needed was Detroit and we were in business, but I guess that was just wishful thinking on my end.

The angels are engaged in yet ANOTHER civil war.  Can’t we all just get along? I swear sometimes I think the demons get along better than the angels do.  So we’ve got Bart and his followers battling Malachi, a new up and comer, for power.  His name being Malachi reminds me of the evil kid from Children of the Corn, which probably means he’s seriously bad news and a little bit out of his mind. 

Sam and Dean jump on the case to see what’s going on and meet up with Castiel.  He’s playing human FBI agent and it was the best thing ever.  I had to press pause because I was giggling like a school girl, dancing in my chair, and basically missing everything that happened after Sam patted Cas on the shoulder and called him Agent.  

Review: Once Upon a Time 3x09 "Save Henry"

Original air date: Dec. 1, 2013

On one hand, okay I think we all pretty much saw most of this episode coming.  On the other hand, oh man next week is going to be fun.

When we left off with the show two weeks ago, Pan had just convinced Henry to give up his heart.  Even with his super awesome new heart Pan isn't all fixed quite yet he still needs some time to recharge.  So he runs away to his Thinking Tree in the Pixie Woods.  Instead of an extensive battle that could have spanned multiple episodes, Regina shrugged, claimed “NO REGRETS!” and ripped out Henry’s heart from Pan’s chest.  Done and done.  With the heart and Pandora’s Box everyone jumps aboard the Jolly Roger and set sail for home. 

Review: Misfits 5x05

Original air date: Nov. 20, 2013

I’m going to be completely honest with y’all right now.  An action by Alex towards the end of the episode has me so incredibly angry I’m not sure I can even write this review.  I’m not sure if I even want to. 

Trigger Warning for mentions of rape. 

Review: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D 1x08 "The Well"

Original air date: Nov. 19, 2013

Pretty much since Sunday all of my shows have been punching me in the gut with feelings and it’s only Tuesday.  Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is no exception.  Oh man, team feelings, Ward feelings, May feelings, and then that last scene. 

“Did I fall asleep?” “For a little while.” I might have ran around the room, jumped on social media, texted a friend, and then rewound and watched that bit again. *screams**keyboard smash**shakes fist* WHEDON!

Anyway, this is the Thor tie-in episode.  The team starts out cleaning up the mess left by Thor in Thor: The Dark World.  We all saw that movie right? It was the greatest thing ever right? (OMG BROTHERS!) Anyway, the gang is there recovering all the alien tech left on earth.  Alien tech ending up in the wrong hands is never a good thing.  After the events of a few weeks ago, there’s no such thing as being too careful.  Also, Skye and May confirm for all of us that Thor is in fact dreamy.

Review: Hart of Dixie 3x07 "I Run to You"

Original air date: Nov. 18, 2013

Picking up where we left off with George and Lynly last week, the two of them are going strong.  Are they a couple? Are they just hanging out? No one knows.  Yet, with the cross-country relay race on the line they need to figure out what they should tell Lavon, if anything at all. 

Lavon throws himself into coaching the Bluebell cross-country team and Lynly is his star runner.  He’s determined not to lose this year and it also gives him a perfect excuse to absolutely avoid Annabeth.  Likewise, Annabeth is making enough jam to feed the entirety of Alabama. 

Zoe worries about Joel.  He’s blowing off his writing and spending perhaps a little too much time with Wade.  Joel admires Wade’s carefree attitude and when we all discover that Joel is suffering from a terrible case of writers block it makes sense.  Zoe and Wade, of course, clash over the proper ways to help Joel with his creative troubles.

Review: Once Upon a Time 3x08 "Think Lovely Thoughts"

Original air date: Nov. 17, 2013

So. Two weeks.  We’ll going to have to wait two weeks to find out just what kind of repercussions this episode has had on our characters.  For me, it’s going to be a tough two weeks full of nail biting and hair tugging.

The secret origin of Peter Pan is finally revealed and Henry’s family tree has gotten a whole lot stranger.

“Peter Pan destroyed my father.” *Obi-wan’s voice* "From a certain point of view."

(Did no one else hear that? Oh, just me then? Okay. Moving on.)

We start off with a young Rumplestiltskin being raised by his con man father.  His father, is a liar and a cheat and believes Rumple will be better off without him.  So he drops him off with two very nice ladies, who teach him how to spin.  In crazy similar parallel fashion Rumple gets a magic bean.  He takes this bean to his father and asks him to leave with him.  Together they can go away to a place where they can start all over.

Review: Almost Human 1x01 Pilot

Original air date: Nov. 17, 2013

When I first saw the trailer for Almost Human I was super excited.  From what I could tell it was going to be an I, Robot x Common Law mash-up and I was up for it (it helped that it had Michael Ealy).  Having watched the pilot, I can say that is basically what you are going to get when you watch this show.  It’s a show that knows what it needs to do and say to get the audience it wants.  Fans of police procedural? Check. Science fiction fans? Check. Bromance fangirls? Present.  I see nothing wrong with this, to be quite honest.  Just as long as it can deliver on what it promises.  

Review: Supernatural 9x06 "Heaven Can’t Wait"

Original air date: Nov. 12, 2013

What does it mean to be human?  Human beings have complex emotions and yet pain is pain.  Castiel feels are my pain at the moment to be honest.  

We find Castiel working as a sales associate in a convenience store.  Last time we saw him, he had nothing.  He was living on the streets and going by Clarence.   Now as Steve, he seems happy enough.  He’s watching and learning human interactions and he has a job to do.  He might even have a date with his pretty manager, Nora, who seems pretty cool.

Castiel, still a hunter in training, notices something in the newspaper and calls Dean.  He think he might have a case for him.  So far there have been four unexplained deaths.  People who were depressed are suddenly exploding violently in a pink flash.  Dean drops everything to go check it out.  He says it’s to get out of the piles of research that Kevin and Sam have waiting for him, but I think it was more visiting Castiel.

Review: Arrow 2x06 "Keep Your Enemies Closer"

Original air date: Nov. 13, 2013

Group field trip to Russia this week.  Layla Michaels, an agent for A.R.G.U.S. was captured as she was sneaking into a Russian prison.  She was there investigating Deadshot, who if you remember is the assassin who killed Diggle’s brother.  They need the Arrow to orchestrate a rescue plan.  This is when we learn that Layla isn't just an old friend of Diggle’s but actually his ex-wife. 

The group decides to use business as a cover story, but with that means that Isabel Rochev has to tag along.  Her job means everything to her and she’s not going to be left at home when she believes Oliver is meeting with their overseas holdings without her.  Or maybe she thinks that Oliver is having a weekend of fun with his assistant and wants to make sure he gets some work completed.

With the help of Oliver’s Russian mob contacts, Diggle pulls a Prison Break and gets himself locked up in the same prison as Layla.  While inside he’s supposed to make contact with a guard, find Layla, and then the gang picks them both up outside the prison.  Easy peasy right?  Of course, it’s not.  If Diggle wants to escape, he has to trust the man he wants to kill the most, Deadshot.  In the end Diggle, being the honorable man he is, lets Deadshot go.  That’s when he learns that his brother wasn't who he always thought he was.  We learn the name H.I.V.E. and that’s going to be another story that will definitely unfold later.

Review: Misfits 5x04

Original air date Nov. 13, 2013

You never appreciate what you have till it’s gone or suddenly aged 60+ years.  That’s what Rudy learns on this week of Misfits.

We begin with Rudy realizing that he hasn't seen Rudy Too for a few days (A FEW DAYS?! IT TOOK YOU A FEW DAYS AND RUNNING OUT OF MILK AND CLEAN CLOTHES BEFORE YOU BEGAN TO WORRY ABOUT RUDY TOO?!)  When Rudy Too finally does appear he’s about 80 years old and unable to recall where he’s been or what has happened to him.

Rudy goes undercover as Rudy Too retracing his steps in hopes of figuring out who did this to him.  In the beginning all he hears is how frustrated Rudy Too is with him.  Frustrated and angry for the way Rudy One has treated him.  Rudy gets all offended because he doesn't think it’s fair for Rudy Too to be saying terrible (but true) things about him.  And to be honest, locking Rudy Too up in a cupboard is not really helping Rudy One’s case.  I guess we should just be glad that there weren't any dead bodies in the coffin freezer with the Cornettos this time around. 

Review: Hart of Dixie 3x06 "Family Tradition"

Original air date: Nov. 11, 2013

Hart of Dixie is one of those shows I watch because it makes my fluffy heart happy.  There are adorable shipper moments and just plain good ole fashion shenanigans to keep a person grinning. This week I sit here cradling my mug of peach tea frowning because things didn't end up all sunshine and rainbows for a few of the citizens in Bluebell.

Zoe and Joel decide it may be time to go searching for a house to rent.  A few too many Dash interruptions have got them a little anxious to find a place.  The search leads Zoe to wonder if she should try to connect to the Wilkes family.  Her last encounter in season one didn't go over so smoothly and since then she’s ignored and blown them off. 

Review: Ripper Street 2x03 "Become Man"

Original air date: Nov. 11, 2013

I didn't write a review last week, but it was because I really enjoyed the episode.  Last week’s episode has probably been one of my favorites of the series thus far (this week’s episode maybe having surpassed it), but every time I sat down to write all that came out was Damien Molony.  So I figured it was just best not to write anything if I wasn't going to do the episode justice. 

Long Susan has been a favorite character of mine for awhile now and this was a big episode for her.  Things that happened in this episode are going to set off a chain reaction for the rest of the season, that’s for sure.   

Review: Once Upon a Time 3x07 "Dark Hollow"

Original air date: Nov. 10, 2013

We flashback five days earlier (FIVE DAYS! THEY'VE ONLY BEEN IN NEVERLAND FOR FIVE DAYS?!) *clears throat*, the day the gang left Storybrooke.  Belle casts a protection spell to keep anymore of Pan’s minions out of Storybrooke.  She’s too late, however, as a pair of snazzy dressed gentlemen are able to just barely make it in (hey there Hipster Glasses *wink wink*). 

First of all, I’m glad we got a glimpse of Storybrooke again.  I've missed them.  Even though I’m enjoying this season tremendously, I still felt like something was missing and now I realize it was Storybrooke.  The Once Upon a Time universe has so many wonderful characters and we were stuck with only a handful of them for the first six episodes or so.  So yeah! Glad to be back.  Also cracking up that a few of the citizens are breathing a sigh of relief that without Snow and Charming around things are kind of normal. *cue the mermaid*

Review: Misfits 5x03

Original Airdate: Nov. 6, 2013

You know if you cut out all of the creepy Probation Worker stuff… this episode wasn't half bad.  Last week, I had had a feeling this had become a Rudy and the gang kind of show, but this wasn't that.  We actually got an Abbey-centric episode; the big reveal of who she is and what the storm did to her.  The storm created her.  She’s the physical embodiment of another person’s childhood imaginary friend.  Laura’s imaginary friend, as it turns out.  The girl whose scarf she sniffed all last week and met in the pub at the very end.  When we meet up back with them this week they are in love.

Review: Dracula 1x03 "Goblin Merchant Men"

Original air date: Nov. 8, 2013

This week we get a glimpse of the story behind Dracula’s vampirism, but mostly the episode is about business and politics.  His origins, the doings of the Order of the Dragon, of course.  Them being evil and all.  Which coincidentally their initials spell out OotD which almost spells out Ood.  Therefore they shall be henceforth known as the Ood, because that just makes it that much more fun for me.

Review: Arrow 2x05 "League of Assassins"

Original air date: Nov. 5, 2013

If they were to create a spin off show of just Sara Lance as Black Canary, I would be obsessed with it.  I’m not even kidding, it would surpass all my other favorite shows.  Sara has such a huge backstory and I am crossing my fingers like crazy that we get to see more of it (and soon).  Obviously I don’t think she’s gone for good, but well yeah I could watch 6 seasons and movie about her.

Review: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D 1x06 "FZZT"

Original air date: Nov. 5, 2013

Now this is the kind of episode that will endear a show to me (Yes, I realize a main character almost died but … actually I have no good answer for that).  If you’re a big FitzSimmons fan (like myself) this is the episode for you.  By far I think this was my favorite episode so far and I’m so glad that we’re starting to see the relationships between these characters grow.

Review: Supernatural 9x05 "Dog Dean’s Afternoon"

Original Airdate: Nov. 5, 2013

I don’t even know where to start.  Classic Supernatural crack episode in which the laws of reality are smashed to pieces with a sledgehammer and we’re all just along for the ride.

Chef Leo has worked hard to cultivate his unique pallet.  He eats animal organs with a mix of witchcraft in order to gain their abilities (temporary).  Being a Chef, he loves to mix and match his ingredients for new and fun recipes, for example Sharktapus.  After he snake kills a taxidermist the boys get involved. Sidenote: If I were to ever imagine a rattlesnake as a human that's exactly how I would imagine him to dress. 

Review: Hart of Dixie 3x05 "How Do You Like Me Now?"

Original air date: Nov. 4, 2013

**Sorry I’m late with this.  I’m still trying to catch up after my full weekend.  Don't even ask me about Nanowrimo.

It’s another week in Bluebell and another week where most of the town is preoccupied with Dr. Zoe Hart’s love life.  Dash has a new blog poll up, “Is Joel the right guy for Zoe?” Just 13% agree and that kills Zoe.  So she sets out to prove that he’s a great guy and everybody should love him as she does.  Which, of course, results in him rear-ending the Reverend’s car.  So Zoe volunteers them to take over the tween camping trip.  Well it’s more of a trade thing.  Zoe will take the camping trip if the Reverend gives a sermon on why people should accept Joel.

Review: Once Upon a Time 3x06 "Ariel"

Original Air date: Nov. 3, 2013

I can always tell I've enjoyed an episode when the margins on my notebook are filled with haphazard scribbles.  Tonight I sit here trying to decipher three pages of notes that I seem to have written left handed, whist blindfolded, during an earthquake. 

We pick this episode up maybe five minutes after last week's.  Now, let’s talk about this for a second.  Immediately upon hearing that Neal is alive Hook tells Snow and Charming.  He doesn't go straight to Emma, but to her parents.  He’s worried about getting her hopes up for nothing, but also doesn't hesitate telling the people closest to her.  They should have a better idea of what to do. The plan was always to rescue Neal.  Not to mention, Hook is a lot of things, but he is not stupid.  The worst people to ask to lie and/or withhold the truth is Snow and Charming so… he knew Emma was going to find out sooner rather than later.  Oh and, Hook and Charming’s little nod to each other was cute.  You could see them thinking “we've been on a quest together.  We know how to tell a convincing lie. We got this.  We are pros.”  Only to completely blow it upon their first test.  They be cute. 

Review: Arrow 2x04 "Crucible"

Original Air date: Oct. 30, 2013

Well that had a twist ending I actually didn't see coming.

Oliver wants to stop the crazy amount of guns coming into the city.  We’re talking like really deadly military grade weaponry that are being supplied by some guy calling himself The Mayor.  You see since the quake all these new aspiring crime lords have been coming out of the woodwork.  Oliver hosts a Cash for Guns event to try and clean up the Glades as Oliver Queen.  Which turns bad as the Mayor shows up and demonstrates his personal inventory of hardware.

Review: Misfits 5x02

Original air date: Oct. 30, 2013

This was a very Rudy centric episode and I can’t say I’m complaining.  If you are a Rudy x Jess shipper than this was definitely your episode.  Kind of gave me whiplash since just last week she was still getting over feelings for Alex but cool whateves.  I guess last season there was some precursor flirting.  I dunno, it could be cute.  I could be down. 

Getting back to Rudy, he discovers that his dad is cheating on his mom and is also an abusive asshole.  Well that’s what he thinks he’s discovered.  In fact, like himself, his dad has split into two after the storm.  I guess it runs in the family.  Also thinking that with what Rudy Too said last week about a split personality disorder might have been something Rudy (and possibly his father) dealt with before the storm (his mother was afraid he'd "gone mental again").  I thought the Rudy Too thing had come from being deeply insecure and covering it up by being a jerk.  Perhaps, that is not the case though.  Oh and Jess and Rudy team up.

Review: Supernatural 9x04 "Slumber Party"

Original Air date: Oct. 29, 2013

It’s the Winchesters of Oz.  I had fun, did y’all have fun? Charlie Bradbury episodes continue to be my favorite. I adored Felicia Day before Supernatural and now I just want Charlie every week.

The episode opens up in 1935 with the inaugural case at the brand new Men of Letters’ bunker. Dorothy, yup the one you’re thinking of, shows up with the Wicked Witch as her prisoner.  She needs a way to kill her and hopes that the “glorified librarians” can give her a hand. When the witch gets free Dorothy bravely casts a spell binding her and the witch forever and trapping them in a jar of goo.  A jar of goo that Dean accidentally knocks over as he and Sam are trying to hot-wire the Men of Letters’ supercomputer to track angels.  Charlie is there because neither of the boys actually know how to hot-wire the supercomputer to track the angels.

Review: Ripper Street 2x01 "Pure as the Driven"

Original Air date: Oct. 28, 2013

And we’re back.  It’s 1890 and we’re back on the streets of Whitechapel.  Detective Inspector Reid has taken to living in his office (I don’t think anyone is surprised).  The division is swamped and riots have become common morning occurrence.  Over in Chinatown Sgt. Maurice Linklater is thrown out a window and impales his leg on a fence.  Reid and his department set out to not only find the culprit but also why he would have been in that part of town.

Along the way they discover corruption in the K division.  Detective Inspector Jebedian Shine has started an illegal drug trade with his wife from Hong Kong.  A woman who goes by Blush Pang.  Together they plan on setting loose a new drug onto the streets, Heroine.  At the same time Blush’s brother has come from China to take her home.  He is a skilled fighter and able to punch a man clean off of his feet.  Destruction is left in his wake and he is the one behind Linklater’s fall.  After being confronted by Reid, Shine goes to visit Linklater and kills him so he is unable to witness against him.  He then places the guilt of the Sergeant’s death on Reid.

This was a good solid episode.  A few of the earlier episodes of season one, I confess, didn't always have my attention.  So far, I’m really happy to report that was not the case with this episode.  I'd like to also say I am not just saying that because Damien Molony joins the cast next week. 

Favorite bits from the episode:

• The beginning scene.  Drake so calmly asking Reid to join him downstairs.  Reid politely asking for his billy club before they both join the brawl downstairs.
• Jackson yelling “Reid again?” and just being generally annoyed.
• Just Jackson and Reid and Drake.  I just really enjoy their chemistry.  
• Sergeant Bennet Drake finding himself a wife who loves him.  He made me so sad last season, he was so lonely and was just looking for someone to love him.  I'm glad he found Bella. 

In conclusion: It’s good to be back and I'm looking forward to next week. 

Review: Hart of Dixie 3x04" Help Me Make It Through the Night"

Original Air date: Oct. 28, 2013

It’s Halloween in Bluebell.  Lemon finds herself blacklisted from the Halloween Masquerade Ball, the top social event this week, in response to her anti-Belle antics last week.  In order to secure herself an invitation she is forced to call in Grandmother Betty Breeland “[she is] like the President but with power.”  Zoe disapproves of Joel’s new found friendship with Wade and tries steer him towards Lavon instead.  All while Wade is trying to hide from a very large very angry mountain named Randall. 

New Look at Veronica Mars Movie

Where are my Marshmallows at?

Entertainment Weekly has a new sneak peek for the upcoming Veronica Mars movie.  In the 4 minute clip the stars we all know and love talk a little about the film.

Ten years later and we still love hearing the cast weigh in on the age old question.  Piz? or Logan? Who is the love of Veronica's life?

The video contains some mild spoilers and we get a glimpse of a few new clips not previously seen in other sneak peeks.

(psst the pic is the video again.)

We learn at the start of the film that Veronica is still with Piz and living in New York. Logan is still a brooding bad boy but now he's accused of murder (*gasp* NO!). Logan gives his old friend Veronica a call, he needs help.  Setting Veronica off on a trip down memory lane.  

If you've been living under a rock perhaps you haven't heard of the upcoming Veronica Mars movie.  The adaptation/sequel to the popular and well loved TV show by the same name.  Kristen Bell starring as the title character plays the daughter a private investigator who is very talented in solving crimes when she's not in high school.  If you've never seen it then you should get on that. You won't regret it, I promise you.

Veronica Mars is set to hit theaters in Spring of 2014.

Review: Once Upon a Time 3x05 "Good Form"

Original Air date: Oct. 27, 2013

If y’all thought last week’s recap/review was a mess of shipper feelings ye be ware.  I have no idea how I’m going to get my thoughts organized and in order. If you continue to read beyond this point… well whatever happens that’s on you because this is your only warning.  I’m kidding there are no capslock and keyboard smashing (though I wanted to).  I have had like 6 cookies tonight though so I’m kind of hopped up on sugar which I give as excuse as to why I’m being such a goof right now.

The promo for this episode and even the sneak peek released did not prepare me for what was going to go down in tonight’s episode.  Immediately after I finished watching (which took longer than normal because I kept rewinding to watch scenes multiple times) I texted my friend in all caps and exclamation marks.  I was a mess of feelings. 

Review: By Any Means 1x06

Original Air date Oct. 27, 2013

That. Was. An Intense. Finale.

Earlier this week I’d read an interview with Elliot Knight about this week’s episode. He said it was intense and darker than the rest of the season, but I didn't believe him.  I mean how intense could it be, really?  Oh I was but a sweet summer child.  Afterward the episode I had to get up, walk around, make some tea and just sit for a second.  I tried to write, couldn't.  I tried to start a different show. Couldn't.  Now I think I can finally get on with it (melodramatic much? amirite?!)

5 Reasons Why I Love Season 2 of Revolution

I decided to write this because I know a lot people stopped watching Revolution half way through last season.  It had its plot holes and the story just wasn't the best and those damn muskets were ridiculous.  This season I have found it much improved.  Instead of writing a single review of a single episode I figured I’d compile all my favorite things so far.  

There will be spoilers for all aired episodes beyond this point! This is your spoiler warning! spoiler.

ETA: After events of 2x06: Dead Man Walking near half of this list is pending.  It may soon need be relabeled as "5 things I loved about the first 5 episodes of Revolution"

5) It's dirty. They finally threw some dirt at our actors.  I don’t know about you, but it was refreshing that they stopped pretending that in a world without electricity and running water our leads could still have perfectly styled hair.  I have both electricity and running water and I can tell you I've never had such beautiful flowing locks as Charlie had season 1. So there’s that.  For once I can fully buy into this dystopian future.  It may seem like a small and petty thing to get caught up on, but no really this was important to me.

Review: Dracula 1x01 "The Blood is the Life"

Original Air date: Oct. 25,2013

It’s London 1896 and a dormant Dracula (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) has just been awoken.  What does he do first you say? He throws a party and invites all the coolest people, duh.  Posing as an American entrepreneur, Alexander Grayson, he attempts to sniff out the contemporary high council members of The Order of the Dragon.  An corrupt and evil organization that once murdered his true love many centuries before and who are now intent on controlling the city.  At the party he sees Mina Murray (Jessica De Gouw) a medical student and also the reincarnation of his long lost love, he's a bit smitten you could say.  Grayson also meets Mina’s boyfriend, Jonathan Harker (Oliver Jackson Cohen) a struggling journalist.

The tone of the show is kind of dark playful with more than a bit of camp in there.  We've moved back from the fluffy romcom vampire and back into the dark sexual fantasy Dracula. Come on. Its Jonathan Rhys Meyers would you expect anything differently?  That could be fun if the show doesn't take itself too seriously this season.  They almost lost me though with the slow motion fight scene on the roof.  That was… uncalled for and the show didn't need it.  I have a feeling we’re going to get at least one of those over the top scenes at least once an episode and I could do without but I’m willing to give it a try.

Review: Once Upon a Time in Wonderland 1x03 "Forget Me Not"

Original air date: Oct. 24, 2013

So first things first I guess.  Alice and Knave go in search of a magic rope called the “forget me not”.  Or is it knot?  Anyway.  They track the knot down to the Caterpillar who is the Jabba the Hutt of Wonderland/Underland.   Knave has a bounty on his head (wait, does this make him Han Solo?), but is able to make a deal with him.  Since the Caterpillar no longer has the knot, Knave will get it back for him and then his debt will be paid.  Easy peasy, right? Right?! No. The monster Grendel has the knot and so there go Alice and Knave off to fight a monster.  PS. Underland looks very much like a steam punk convention. 

Knave’s past is revealed through their journey.  He’s actually Will Scarlett of Robin Hood’s Merry Men.  Which has me wondering… Robin Hood has become a reoccurring character within OUAT, so are we setting up a crossover soon? Or do they just really like Sean Maguire? Things to ponder on.  In the flashback we see Will’s induction into the Merry Men, his betrayal of the Merry Man as he tricks them into stealing from Maleficent so he and his true love Anastasia can leave the Enchanted Forest. 

Review: The Crazy Ones 1x05 "She's So European"

Original Air date: Oct. 24, 2013

Sydney is anxious to impress a client for a new senior dating website, Helena.  Likewise both Simon and Zach vie for Helena’s affections and both end up receiving them.  Sydney tries to come to terms with not only realizing her father has a sex life, but also with the new shared information of his and Zach’s personal faces and preferences from her new best friend Helena.  Not to mention discovering that all her secrets shared with Helena have now found the ears of both Simon and Zach.

At the same time Andrew takes lead on recording a voice over with Fred Melamed for the first time.  After a few struggles he stands up for himself and finally gains the respect from Melamed. 

It was a pretty strong episode.  It was funny and an entertaining watch.  I enjoyed this episode more than last week's but I think "Bad Dad" has been my favorite episode so far. 

Favorite bits of the episode?

• James Wolk and Robin Williams playing with each other in southern accents.
• Andrew screaming “erase my browser history” when he thought he was going to die.
• The entire scene with the mayonnaise jar.  The faces, the grunting, and Sydney screaming about the children or something.
• Fred Melamed picking Helena up by using a rom-com movie trailer voice.

In Conclusion: I think I’ll never be able to make a sandwich with mayo again without laughing.  I wouldn't say no to more Zach and Sydney scenes because I want to ship them, if only because I’m projecting because I really like James Wolk.  I admit it, I’m shallow. Don’t judge. 

Review: Elementary 2x05 "Ancient History"

Original Airdate: Oct. 24, 2013

I’m a fan of this week’s episode.  It was fun having a backwards and at one point an even sideways case.  Sherlock is bored.  He hasn't had an interesting case for awhile now and his search through old cold case files has come up empty.  So of course he goes to the morgue and looks through the corpses hoping to find something that the medical examiner might have overlooked. 

There he finds the body of a man killed in a motorcycle accident, but things are not as they seem.  Upon analysis of the body Sherlock is able to determine that the man, Leo Banin aka Vitaly, is a retired hitman and had in fact murdered someone prior to his death.  Captain Gregson can’t categorize it as a murder till they find a victim so the detective duo set out in search of a dead body.  Inciting such amazing quotes from Sherlock such as “Travis, you’re alive; how unfortunate.” as well as “Alive, again. Why can’t anyone be dead today?”  In the end they discover that it was Banin’s wife who had hired a few of his old colleagues to murder him and when that failed she caused his motorcycle accident.

Review: Arrow 2x03 "Broken Dolls"

Original Air Date: Oct. 23, 2013

If you watched last week (and I hope you did) it'd be hard to forget the cliff hanger the episode ended on.  How will Oliver get out of this one?! He’s surrounded by an entire police force with guns and he can only shoot one arrow at a time!  

Spoiler alert: The newest vigilante in town shows up and saves his ass.  She’s awesome, she’s badass, and she knows how to make a dramatic entrance.  I. Love. Her.

On this week’s episode of Arrow, Officer Lance comes face to face with a man he worked so hard to put in prison once before.  After the loss of his daughter, Sara, the first case that Lance worked on was Barton Mathis aka Dollmaker.  A sadistic murderer who kidnaps women and kills them by making them into life size dolls.  It was a case that took Lance to a very dark place and became his obsession.  

Review: Misfits 5x01

Original Air Date: Oct. 23, 2013

I was not all that thrilled about season four of Misfits but I was determined not to be one of those viewers who bailed on the show after a cast change.  I mean just look at Being Human, I loved the second cast almost as much as the first.  So… I was determined (determined I tell ya!) to watch this episode with an open mind.  I mean I just have to get to know this new cast, right?

Right off the bat, I realized how much I missed the show as soon as that familiar theme started playing.  All the working parts of what made me love the show are there, the tone, the humor, even the way the show is shot.  It’s obviously made by people who care.  There are fun camera angels, the use selective focus is beautiful and,  I mean even the coloring of the show is great.  All in all, I forgot just how physically pretty this show was.  Plus, there's something about hearing that score again, that brings back nostalgia for the first few seasons. 

Eager to see the Tam siblings reunited on TV again?

According to The Hollywood Reporter Sean Maher will be joining the cast of The CW's Arrow for the 10th episode.

pic courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

Maher is set to play the villainous Shrapnel.  Maher joins Summer Glau as the second actor from the Joss Whedon cult hit show Firefly.  Glau has a reoccurring guest spot playing Isabel Rochev, a woman very much interested in Queen Consolidated.

The duo previously played fugitive siblings River and Simon Tam in the short lived Sci-fi western, Firefly.  No word yet if the two will have any scenes together on Arrow, however.


To read more about Maher's part and the history behind Shrapnel be sure to read the full Hollywood Reporter article here.

The newest episode of Arrow airs tonight on the CW.  Don't miss it!

Review: Supernatural 9x03 "I'm No Angel"

Original Air Date: Oct. 22, 2013

The spoilers for this episode were kind of like the spoilers heard around the world.  The spoilers that launched a thousand internet arguments. The spoilers that… well let’s just say they caused quite a stir.  All that before the episode and I have an incredibly strong feeling quite a few things that occurred in this episode (and a few afterwards) are going to be topics of discussion for a very long time. 

There’s a strong desire to just keyboard smash and call it a day.  I like can’t even think right now.

Castiel is human.  That was the main theme of tonight’s episode.  Castiel wanders as he figures out how to be human and all that entails.  He was afraid to trust anyone and so he took the name Clarence, the name Meg had given him.  (Oh, and by the way Dean? No one is buying that you have never seen It’s a Wonderful Life. No one).  Then even when he knew that angels were ruthlessly looking for him and even when he knows that there are no more angels in heaven, Cas is still drawn to churches.  Oh, Castiel you broke my heart this episode.  I just wanted to pick you up, take you home and wrap you up in a blanket.  Which is in fact what April did end up doing (PS. Shannon Lucio, damn girl I just saw you die twice last night. On two different shows). 

Review: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 1x05 "Girl in the Flower Dress"

Original Air Date: Oct. 22, 2013

This was a good episode.  I enjoyed this episode.  Despite the fuzzy Skyeward clip that opens up the show this is not an episode in which leaves you with warm fuzzy “aww they’re a family” kind feelings. 

The show opens up with a street magician in Hong Kong (as played by Louis Ozawa Chanchien), who is more than he seems.  All seems fine when he is approached by a girl in a flower dress, Raina.  Raina promises Chan Ho Yin he’ll be famous, he’ll be known all over the world as "Scorch" and he’ll be a hero.  In the end it turns out that Raina works for Centipede and needs Chan’s platelets in order to stabilize Extremis.  This was nice return to the storyline started in the pilot episode (which also connects the series to the Marvel verse movies).  Especially if that means that Ruth Negga will be an occurring guest star on the show as Raina.  I’ve been hearing the internet buzz for Ruth Negga joining the cast for a while now and I have to say I’m not disappointed.  I loved her in Misfits and she’s already shaping up as an excellent foe to Coulson’s team.

Back on the bus, the team is able to trace the leaked information on Chan to a hacker from the Rising Tide.  The source of the information turning out to be an extremely old friend/boyfriend of Skye’s, Miles.  She makes an error in judgment as she attempts to warn him before he’s found, only to be found with him by her own team.  In the end the team is too late to save Scorch from himself and are forced to neutralize him.  Skye is offered a last chance to come clean about everything, which she takes, but it’s obvious that they no longer trust her.

New Clip for Arrow 2x03: Broken Dolls

Arrow just got dark.  I almost feel the need to give a friendly warning to all before you hit the play button on the video below.  Brand new clip from Wednesday's all new episode of Arrow "Broken Dolls". 

In the clip a distressed Hood and Detective Lance try to prevent a murder while Felicity races to trace a phone call that's essential in saving a woman's life.  Don't forget to watch the episode on The CW tomorrow night 8/7c.

Fox delays premiere for Almost Human

If you're like me, you were already counting down the days till FOX's new series Almost Human's premiere date. Well it looks like we are all going to have to wait just a little bit longer. Instead of airing on November 4th it seems scheduling has now given us a two-night premiere for November 17 and 18th.  You can read more about the reasons behind the push back here.  

Almost Human stars Karl Urban and Michael Ealy as unlikely partners in the year 2048. A time when all human cops are required to have an android partner.  Be sure to check out the promo above and remember to mark both November 17 and the 18th down on your calendars. 

Review: Hart of Dixie 3x03 "Take this Job and Shove It"

Original Air Date: Oct. 21, 2013

When I first began watching this show back in season one the only thing that kept me watching every week was Zoe and Wade.  So it’s a little of a surprise for me to be sitting here typing this review/recap and wanting to type that I am so glad that Zoe and Wade have been put on the back-burner, at least for now.

Tonight’s episode centers around Zoe trying to find a way back into her practice with Brick.  She resorts to hanging around town giving people random medical examinations while they eat their supper.  Zoe has a two pronged approach to trick Brick into inviting her back into the practice. That’s the southern-Bluebell way she claims.  Everything backfires however as Joel, not used to Bluebell’s shenanigans, ends up preventing Zoe's plan but also from practicing medicine in Bluebell again.  George finds himself tutoring Lavon’s cousin who is a little over the top and winds up getting his hand zipped up in her dress… it’s a long ridiculous story.  Lavon is trying to pimp out Brick so he can get a minor league baseball team in Bluebell.  Lemon tries to regain her social standing with the Belles, first with a rebellion and then with cleaning gum off the sidewalks. 

Review: How I Met Your Mother 9x06 "Knight Vision"

Original Air Date: Oct. 21, 2013

This used to be my favorite sitcom.   I thought it was unique, smart, and creative.   There were times where I would rave about how stories unfolded and how intricate the storylines could get.  This season I am not feeling the same way about this show.  This series has lost something along the way and now just feels like any other sitcom on television.  It feels like it's given up.  It's the last season and now it feels like the writers are sitting back and phoning it in (Marshall is literally phoning it in with the rest of the group this season).

Before I get to the recap of this episode can someone tell me something… Is this entire season taking place in real time or something? Are we going to get a full twenty-four episode season that all takes place in the span of a single weekend?  Six episodes and its still 50-something odd hours until the wedding.

Anyway, this week features Ted trying to find his wedding weekend hook up. Ted can’t decide if he should be an insensitive jerk or a decent human being.  The ghostly knight from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade shows up and condemns his every choice for being 'wrong'.  Robin and Barney steal Marshall and Lily’s “how we met” story in order to ensure the minister will marry them.  Spoiler Alert: He finds out the truth and it literally kills him.  Marshall is still on his buddy roadtrip on his way to Farhampton.  He attempts to figure out the best way to tell Lily that he's already accepted the judgeship.

Honestly, the show just doesn't feel the same without Marshall interacting with the rest of the group. Even the interactions between the rest of the group just doesn't feel the same.  I have literally nothing else to say about this episode except... "What the damn hell?!" is this season?

From the promo for next week it looks like we’re getting a goofy silly Halloween episode on crack. So there’s that?

Conclusion: This show feels like it’s given up and that breaks my heart.  Sorry, I wish I could be more positive on this show but there's nothing I can say.  I don't think I laughed once.  I'm seriously drawing a blank.

New Clip Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Just in case you haven't seen it yet.  A brand new sneak peak from Tuesday's episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

(psst. click the pic to take you to the video. Couldn't embed)

The short clip offers a relaxed Agent Ward and Skye taking a break from training and having a little bit of fun.  It's always nice to see Agent Ward not the robot-super-spy all the time, wouldn't you say?

Plus, I don't know about y'all, but I do enjoy the SkyeWard they've been serving up recently on MAoS.  They're no FitzSimmons but they are cute.

Don't miss this week's all new episode of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. tomorrow night on abc.

Review: Once Upon A Time 3x04 "Nasty Habits"

Original Air Date: Oct. 20, 2013

Wow. Okay, I’m not even sure where to start.  On one hand I want to talk about this week’s episode on the other hand… I just saw the promo for next week.  For starters: I confess. I AM A GIANT CAPTAIN SWAN CRAZY SHIPPER! AND I AM FREAKING OUT ABOUT NEXT WEEK!  There, you happy? Okay. Now that that’s out of the way let’s see if I can get my words out.

This show just recently came back into my life.  I started watching it with season 1, but when it went on winter hiatus I just never picked it back up.  That is until a week and a half ago.  Friends were still really into it and I won’t deny the gifsets of Killian Jones/Captain Hook (as played by Colin O’ Donoghue) played a small part in me deciding to do a 24 hour catch up marathon.  Once I caught up I chastised myself for ever falling behind in the first place. 

Ripper Street Series 2 Promo

I can't be the only one watching the new Series 2 Ripper Street promo on repeat, can I?

The BBC One drama series airs its second season on Monday October 28th.  Which only gives you a little over a week to do any season one catching up if need be (*whispers* I know I do). 

This season not only do we get the return of incredible performances by Matthew Mcfayden but Damien Molony is also joining the cast.  You can catch a glimpse of him in the trailer (with his natural Irish accent I might add).  I was over the moon when I first discovered that my favorite OCD vampire was soon to be joining a show with such a talented cast.  Here's hoping that this is just the beginning of a long successful television career for Damien. 

Anyone else as excited as I am? 

Review: By Any Means 1x05

Original Air Date: Oct. 20, 2013

So, I've tried to sit down and write about this show before but each time I fall into a trap about how much I loved Tom Tom (Andrew Lee Potts) and Charlie (Elliot Knight).  So with only one episode left let’s see if I can be any more articulate.

If you've never watched By Any Means, it’s vaguely reminiscent of  Leverage in my opinion.  Not to say it has anywhere as near perfect characters as Leverage but it has similarities in the way the story unfolds.  By Any Means centers around a team of four who operate in that grey area.  When someone commits a major crime but for whatever reason the police are unable to convict said person that’s when Jack Quinn, as played by Warren Brown, and his team are called in.  Their mission: to by any means necessary get their man (like I worked the title of the show in there).  What reminds me of Leverage is in each episode their mission seems to be going horribly wrong but in the end its all revealed in quick flashbacks, that had previously been kept from the audience, that everything had happened exactly as planned. 

This week’s episode begins with a man named Ahmed (played by Ashraf Barhom) who shoots and kills a man in the woods whose only crime is being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Ahmed is able to get out of his arrest by promising MI-5 important information on suspected terrorists cells working within the country.  Helen Barlow (played by Gina McKee), the team's contact, feels that while the information is important Ahmed’s previous human trafficking and murderous exploits should not go unpunished, so she calls in Jack Quinn.  Jack and the team set out to break his former accomplice, Mehmet (played by Stewart Scudamore), out of prison in order to frighten Ahmed into a murder confession.