Category Archives: Television

Apr 04 2012
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Sunday Night, Television, Uncategorized

On Television: Game of Thrones (HBO)

Season 2 Ep. 1 – ‘The North Remembers’

After a whirlwind first season, this acclaimed television show (and one of my current favorite shows on TV) has returned to HBO for a second season and I could not be more excited about it.

In the days leading up to the premiere, I watched all ten episodes of the first season, viewed every featurette HBO OnDemand had available and finished reading the second book of the Song of Ice and Fire series, A Clash of Kings, from which this second season’s events is based. You can’t imagine how eagerly I anticipated this episode to air! But now that the first episode is over, I am unsure how I feel about the prospects for this sophomore season.

One thing that makes the television show so successful, in my opinion, is the filmmakers level of faithfulness to the original text. The worst thing when transfering a beloved work of literature into a television show or movie is to change things frivolously and therefore alienate the fans. Granted, there always have to be some minor changes to translate written words and internal thoughts/exposition into a screenplay, but so far they have stayed as true as they can be to the novels…and I commend them for it.

‘The North Remembers’ is no exception. Running straight after the events of the first season (and first book), it picks up during the height of the war for the Crown of the Seven Kingdoms: Dany is traversing the Red Wastelands across the Narrow Sea with her newly hatched dragons and her khalasar; Catelyn stands faithfully by her son’s, Rob Stark’s, side as he fights to rescue his sisters, avenge his father’s wrongful death and secede from the rule of the Iron Throne to become the true King of the North; Sansa is being held captive in the Red Keep of King’s Landing by Cersei and the incest-born, child-king Joffrey; Tyrion arrives to King’s Landing to take his interim seat as Hand of the King while the Lannister’s patriarch (and appointed Hand), Tywin, leads his army against the other kings; Stannis Baratheon, the rightful king by succession and a new addition to the show’s cast, is making plans to leave his keep at Dragonstone to claim his seat at King’s Landing; Bran handles life ruling Winterfell as war continues across Westeros; and Jon Snow, moving farther north of the Wall to handle the amassing Wildings, arrives at Craster’s Keep with the other men of the Night’s Watch.

As you can tell by that short synopsis of the episode above, a lot happens in ‘The North Remember’s’ but in actuality nothing really happens. Because each of these storylines and characters are important to the overall story and the continued faithfulness to the books, the filmmakers need to show them, but I fear that the sheer number of these characters and arcs is going to be the downfall of season 2.

In season 1, the cast of characters is similarly HUGE; however, in the start of the first season the events around all these characters are consolidated in a few key locations – King’s Landing, The Wall, Winterfell and Across the Narrow Sea – so even though there are a lot of characters, the events of multiple characters center around larger conflicts and is easy to digest. Now, because every main character is scattered across the four corners of Westeros and beyond, the filmmakers are only able to focus so much on each character within the sixty minutes they have for an episode, and each character has a distinct story arc that needs developing. As a result, I felt, there wasn’t enough time devoted to any one character’s story arc to really get any real investment in what happens to them in the next episode.

I know that with this series, the events that take place compound episode after episode to create a more holistic and captivating end, but with so much going on, I don’t know how effective it will be this time around.

I am still a huge fan of the books and the show and will obviously continue watching, but I definitely am concerned that season 2 will not hold up to the greatness that was the first season. I will just have to continue watching and see.

Rating: B

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Jul 29 2011
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Friday Night, Television

On Television: Thundercats (2011 Series)

Thunder! Thunder! Thunder! Thundercats, Hooooo!

This evening, the new prequel series of ‘Thundercats’ premiered on Cartoon Network, and I cannot lie that I was super excited to watch (I am a sucker for nostalgia). Having been born in the ’80s, ‘Thundercats’ was a staple of my cartoon watching childhood, so I was beyond ecstatic to see this reboot. But I must say that having seen the old cartoon almost became a detriment while watching the new series’ pilot episode.

I knew when they announced the new series that they wanted to make it a bit more serious and currently, along the same veins of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (Cartoon Network) or ‘The Last Airbender’ (Nickelodeon), but after watching the premiere, I was surprised at how different the reboot was tonally and contextually to the original series. Aside from the animation style and character appearance, the characterization/personality of some of the characters was very strange and numerous things seemed out of continuity with the old show. For instance, Tygra, who always seemed to be  cerebral and level-headed in the old series, was somewhat of a cocky jerk in this new show, criticizing and chiding Lion-O constantly. Also, if I remember correctly, Wilycat and Wilykit were members of Thundera’s noble families in the original series, which I think was explained in the 1985 pilot episode, but in this, they are mischievous, thieving orphans. So by halfway through the first episode, I had no choice but to attempt to disregard my memories of the old series, and accept the new one for what it is: a action-packed, overtly political coming-of-age story.

But I will not lie, when the lizards attacked the Thundera capital, I was excited to see how things progressed. The Trojan Horse scheme, which seemed a bit obvious once you recognized the similarities between Thundera and ancient Western cultures, the mech-warriors, missile attacks, betrayals, deaths, the first yelling of “Thundercats, Ho!” and the emergence of Mumm-Ra with his quintessential line “Mumm-Ra, the ever-living” finally had me engaged in the story. Not to mention, getting a little giddy when I heard those old school lines. For the better, the show picked up and was nonst0p until the end of the hour.

As a final note on the premiere, I thought the voice-acting was a bit forced and awkward and that some of the plotting was a bit obvious. I called multiple major episode plot points before they ever happened, which I always find disappointing, but I am hopeful that in future episodes the characters will become more dynamic, the plot will thicken, and the rest series will be entertaining on its own merits, regardless of the way things were in the old series.

Right now I plan to give the show a few more episodes to see if it is worth it, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I am a bit skeptical.

Rating: B-

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Mar 01 2011
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Television

On Charlie Sheen

I normally like to devote my blog to a somewhat objective review of media, be that television, movies, books or music, but having seen the Today show interview with Charlie Sheen, I felt motivated to voice my opinion on the matter.

For years I have been…indifferent concerning Charlie Sheen. I don’t generally watch Two and a Half Men and aside from Wall Street, I cannot think of a movie he is in that I can outright say I’m a huge fan of. But given all the recent publicity surrounding him and his drunken, drug-filled benders, I found myself culturally obligated to become somewhat informed on the matter. As such, I watched his interview on the Today show, which aired on 2.28.2011.

My conclusion: Charlie Sheen is without a doubt certifiably insane and an unapologetic elitist. I understand that he has had to deal with an exorbitant amount of public/media attention over the past weeks, but that does not excuse him of his deplorable behavior. However, I couldn’t help but laugh when he said that he was going to fight CBS with “zeal, focus, and violent hatred” and that the network was dealing with a “warlock” who as “tiger blood and Adonis DNA.”

I was less amused, however, by Sheen’s belief that he is solely responsible for the success of Two and a Half Men. He said that “for the past ten years, [he’s] magically and effortlessly converted [Chuck Lorre’s] tin cans into pure gold.” First, Chuck Lorre has had numerous sitcom successes beyond Two and a Half Men so obviously Charlie Sheen isn’t a requirement to turn his “tin cans” into “pure gold.” Lorre’s Big Bang Theory, which also airs on CBS, has provided ample success and it airs days away from Sheen.

Also, he made a comment about the public that for lack of a better word infuriated me. He said that people could find their “most comfortable chair in their small house and enjoy the show.” Well to you, Charlie Sheen, I would say that those little people in their little houses with their comfortable chairs are the people who made your show a success in the first place, and it wouldn’t hurt to find a bit of humility and appreciation for the people who provided you with the millions of dollars you are squandering away on drugs and alcohol and prostitutes.

To conclude, before all of this Charlie Sheen hullabaloo, I was indifferent, after seeing him in an interview, I now intend to boycott all films or television shows that contains his arrogant, unapologetic mug.

I apologize for my highly opinionated rant, but things will be back to normal soon as I have a book and a film review in the pipeline.

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Feb 28 2011
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Friday Night, Television

On Television: Camelot (Starz)

Ep. “Homecoming”

On Friday, Starz showed the first hour of their upcoming historical-fantasy-drama, Camelot, as a sneak preview following the finale of ‘Spartacus: Gods of the Arena’. A week ago, I was very sad and upset that the Spartacus miniseries was ending after only six episodes, but having seen the Camelot pilot, I am excited that something is ready to take its place.

Even though Starz only broadcast the first hour, this new series looks to promise the same level of violence, sex, struggles for power and intrigue that have become a trademark of the hugely successful ‘Spartacus’ series.

And this rendition of the Arthurian legend looks to be nothing like what has previously been shown in mainstream media. Rather than some musical or a kiddish version of the story, Starz has sought to develop a more well-rounded cast with a much, much more adult vibe.

That being said, I am still a bit skeptical if young Jamie Campbell Bower has the acting prowess to hold his own against a juggernaut of a cast, but I am hopeful.

Scene-steeling vixen, Eva Green, however, was unbelievable as Arthur’s vengeful sorceress/half-sister, Morgan, who appears to be hellbent on ascending as queen. She provided a strong, emotional performance that embodied the character flawlessly and was by far the shining talent in the preview.

Joseph Fiennes as Merlin is one casting I cannot definitively decide on. The character of Merlin looks nothing like what is traditionally considered (no beard, not very old), but I am excited to see where the role goes. Judging from the first hour, Merlin appears to be more of a soldier-monk with a hidden agenda. He obviously is going to take his place as Arthur’s mentor/adviser, but I wonder if there will not be numerous instances where Merlin attempts to use his influence for his own personal gain. I like the perceived duality of his character and I’m interested to see Merlin’s magical abilities in upcoming episodes.

However, all this promise could be for not if Joseph Fiennes happens to over act the part like he did in Flash Forward. I know he is a talented actor, but I am leary that the costuming and setting might overwhelm him to a point where he becomes too much.

All in all, after watching ‘Homecoming’ I am excited to see the full pilot on April 1, 2011. And I cannot wait to see how they integrate the stories of Guinevere, Lancelot, the Knights of the Round Table, Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake. There is so much source material with T.H. White’s The Once and Future King (one of my favorite books of all time) and Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur that I don’t think the series will ever find themselves hunting for plot.

With HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ scheduled to premiere on April 14, 2011, it will be interesting to see if there is room for two fantasy-epic series to share the same space on premium cable.

Rating: A

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Apr 14 2010
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Television, Tuesday Night

On Tuesday: Glee, Lost, V and Millionaire Matchmaker

Ep. “Hell-O”

First, I am going to say I totally called it. I knew that there was going to be a new character on the show that would be the male version of Rachel and that he would get in the way of Finn and her relationship. I, however, didn’t have the predictive skills to realize that he would be from Vocal Adrenaline and using Rachel to spy on New Directions. It makes total sense, but I kept on thinking of a transfer student from another state or something like that. A new regular rather than an extended story-arch character. Either way, I am excited to see how this all transpires.

Also, Idina Menzel! I had no idea she was joining the show and she makes a wonderfully hilarious glee club instructor for Vocal Adrenaline. I am now looking forward to the time when she will sing with Morrison (Will) because you know it is going to happen.

In general though, I didn’t find this episode nearly as amazing as the ones from before the hiatus. I don’t know if it’s a matter of having had to wait so long for more Glee or that the songs were not nearly as amazing this time. The Lionel Richie cover of “Hello” was my favorite of the night [performed by Rachel Berry and Jesse St. James]. Sue Sylvester, the Old Maids Club, and Idina were the highlights of the night. Overall, Glee is back, and I like it!

To top it all of, FOX broadcast this teaser for next weeks, “The Power of Madonna” episode. I laughed out loud at this very accurate portrayal of the Madonna music video from years past. Oh Sue Sylvester, I love you!

Vodpod videos no longer available.

 Ep. “Everybody Loves Hugo”

Yet another episode of Lost that was amazing! This week’s focus on Hurley was a needed one. He always seems to put a bit of lightness into the storyline, and they finally showed how much respect/say-so Hurley has gained since originally coming to the island. I must say thought that I almost hope that the alternate reality doesn’t implode by the end of the season for I was overjoyed with Hurley’s and Libby’s reunion in Los Angeles. It will be very sad for him to lose her again.

Also, I was quite shocked that they blew up Ilana (for a moment), but then I realized that it was inevitable. But everything seems to be falling into place. Desmond is starting to work his magic in the alterate reality, enticing Hurley to connect with Libby and running over John Locke, and Jack, Hurley and Sun arriving at Locke’s camp.

I also wonder if they are going to answer this Purgatory-esque vibe that was given off by Michael and the whispering voices when Hurley spoke to him in the woods.  So did all of those people do something terrible on the island and are stuck? Or is it that everyone who does something terrible is stuck there? Maybe they are what make up the smoke monster…I NEED ANSWERS!

It looks like next week is going to be just as good as the show comes to a close in just a few weeks. I am going to miss it terribly!

Ep. “John May”

This is what I was talking about on my last post about the show. This week V finally got interesting again. Not only did we find out about John May and the history of him with Ryan, but there was some action, some development and some resolution. Erica, Ryan and Jack go to John May’s old house to look for the communication device that we heard about in the last episode. This is imperative to their survival as Georgie is being tortured by the Vs, who hope he will give up the names of the Fifth Column members. In the end, Georgie dies, but he is able to say goodbye to his comrades and go in peace. Also, with the communicator found, who knows what will happen in future episodes.

On a side note, Tyler finds out that his father might not be his biological one, and Val discovers the sonogram image Ryan was keeping away from her. In the end of the episode, she has disappeared and Ryan finds an empty folder laying on the closet floor.

Let’s hope this intrigue continues!

Ep. “Greg and Zagros”

In the season finale of Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti and the other matchmakers get a psychic reading, and it turns out that Patti may not be getting married after all. I wonder though if that was merely a stunt by Patti to make sure there is intrigue for next season/press, or if Patti really will have issues with the wedding. In the matchmaking realm, there is a new guy, Greg Knoll, and an old one, Zagros Bigvand. Patti also decided not to use her traditional mixer format for the speed dating. Instead, her and her team selected two separate girls for each man, they had a short get-to-know-you time, then a 45-minute first date to lead to the decision for a master date.

Greg Knoll is a 47-year-old mortgage broker and self-made millionaire who has failed to tie knot after two previous engagements. In his short date section, he chose Livia Milano, and it seemed very awkward. And what is a “spinner” in relation to Italian women? Fortunately for her, Livia was eventually rejected for the master date. Save! In the end, he went on his master date with Mojo, who had a relatively cute country accent, but kind of sounded like a Simpson multiple times during the date. Greg really frustrated me. He changes his mind from Livia to Mojo and is then upset that Mojo couldn’t ski, which she mentioned during the short dates. Needless to say, the date didn’t go well in my opinion. Patti had it right, the man is a douche. Oddly enough, they have gone out multiple times. Weird.

Zagros Bigvand was the playboy millionaire from last season, who shockingly broke Patti’s cardinal rule–he slept with his woman on the first date! He says he has changed since the last season, becoming more spiritual and grown-up. Zagros actually seemed like he picked the correct woman, Susan. They seemed to have a lot of creepy chemistry during the short date. But who was that boxing instructor from their first date? Can you say, CRAZY! I did think their date went well.

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Apr 13 2010
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Sunday Night, Television

On Sunday: The Pacific, Brothers & Sisters and The Amazing Race

Ep. “Part 5”

Like I was with Band of Brothers, I have fallen in love with this HBO miniseries. I must say though that The Pacific has a very different tone compared to that of Band of Brothers. In Band of Brothers, I felt like the story was more associated with the camaraderie and connection that was present within the 101st Airborne Division during the European Theater of Operations. The Pacific, however, has a much heavier tone. It seems to be a commentary on the psychological and physical tolls war take on soldiers of the US Marine Corps. Not to say that Band of Brothers didn’t touch on the subject, because it did, but I wonder if that the fact that we are now in two wars, which we weren’t in during Band of Brothers, has affected the directorial direction of the miniseries compared to ten years ago. Either way, the show is still great.

This week, Eugene Sledge finally joined up with the 1st Marine Division after boot camp. It reminded me of “The Replacements” episode on Band of Brothers in that there was that bit of division between the veterans of earlier battles and soldiers fresh from training. It also really highlighted the fear and insanity of the battlefield and the breaking of that division in the heat of battle.  The battle that allowed for this unity was the Battle of Peleliu. Based on the introduction narrated by Tom Hanks and the veteran interviews, Peleliu was a vicious battle during the war where many many soldiers died and were wounded, and the conditions of the camp were just as demoralizing as the battlefield.

Ep. “Time After Time”

First, I will lead with the fact that this is the best ensemble cast on television right now. Every single member of the principle cast plays off of each other so well that it makes the show. If you think about it, it isn’t nearly as far fetched as shows like Grey’s Anatomy and they aren’t as crazy as many other popular shows on television because in reality, this show is basically following the lives of a large California family. Granted, they are a quite wealthy and connected family, but family none-the-less.

In this episode, we finally get to find out what Dennis York has on the family. To tell you the truth, I didn’t find it that shocking or appauling. It ended up being that Kevin accidentally paralyzed a kid in 1986 during a fight at Ojai foods and the Walker family has been paying them off ever since. Kevin doesn’t take it well, however.

The more entertaining part of the episode came in the “Thelma & Louise” mission run by Nora and Holly. It was hilarious watching Holly try to find information on Narrow Lake in York’s hotel room while Nora distracted him downstairs. And even more hilarious to see Nora and Holly steal York’s car! But the crowning glory was to first see them walk in on Justin and Rebecca, who eloped in the episode by the way, as they consumate their marriage and then get arrested. On a side note, Kitty goes in for her first check up after her cancer treatment, and it is good news; she is in remission.

The episode ends with Kevin realizing that “Narrow Lake” is an anogram for “Nora Walker.” Does this mean that there is nothing to the extensive search Nora and Holly have been on for a secret parcel of land? I hope not!

Ep. “Dumb Did Us In”

I am beginning to realize that is very difficult to drill down into the details of this episode, so I will be very high-level. Teams went from Malaysia to Singapore for this leg of the race. Teams had to find the Amazing Race Asia hose, Allan Wu, learn a complicated drum routine, sell ice cream sandwiches, fly down a zip line and fun up a winding ramp to get to the pit stop this week. Dan & Jordon won a Fast Forward after climbing from one observation car to another on the world’s largest ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer, and came in first this week.

#1 at the end of this leg: Dan & Jordan

And after being U-turned by Brent and Caite, the “lesbians” Carol and Brandy were eliminated when they checked into the pit stop last.

Eliminated: Carol & Brandy

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Apr 13 2010
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Television, Thursday Night

On Thursday: Vampire Diaries, Survivor and Real Housewives of New York City

Ep. “Let the Right One In”

This show continues to get more and more interesting. Apart from the city of Mystic Falls apparently being the center of vampire activity dating back to the Civil War era, the characters actually have something to them that makes them compelling to watch week after week. Jeremy continues to fascinate me, especially since he would not stop hassling Anna to turn him into a vampire. The show made you think that it was because Jeremy wanted to be with Anna, but when Vicky’s remains are found by Caroline during a tumultuous storm, Jeremy’s true intentions come out. He was manipulating Anna to turn him so that he could find and be with Vicky. Now, the question remains as to how Anna and Jeremy’s relationship will evolve in episodes to come.

On another note, Stefan is kidnapped by Frederick (a vengeful vampire from the 1860’s) and his band of vampire minions and is tortured in the basement of the house they have occupied with Pearl. Damon immediately goes to save him, but discovers that the owner of the house has been compelled to not let him in to save his brother. As a result, Elena and Damon manage to convice Alaric to help them infiltrate the house and rescue Stefan. The rescue mission was quite entertaining with Alaric manipulating himself into the house and then killing the vampire hoard alongside Damon as they rescued Stefan.

However, Frederick chases after Stefan and Elena as they run away from the house, and Elena has to give Stefan her blood to restore his strength before Frederick kills him. Afterwards though, Stefan cannot seem to control himself and the episodes ends with Stefan sitting in the middle of his living room with a number of IV bags littered around him. Apparently, when he goes off of a diet, he really goes off of it.

Ep. “Expectations”

So this week, the manipulator becomes the manipulated. I gaine so much respect for Sandra after she finally realized that if she plants the seed of doubt in Russel that Russel hones in on that person as his next target. It happened in the last Survivor, it happened to Boston Rob, and this week, it happened to Coach. Now, Coach was kind of asking for it. He has definitely been much less enjoyable this season as he seemed to mope about all the time. He was much more of a pawn this time and not so much the “Dragonslayer” of old.

For general details about the episode, J.T decides to go off and look for the hidden immunity idol and finds it, but he has no choice besides telling everyone about it, as Amanda caught eye of J.T.’s mischief. In the challenges, the Villains misinterpret the reward challenge clue and bring their entire camp with them as they suspect a merge (they were wrong) and the Heroes destroyed them in a bowling challenge akin to the one from Survivor: Somoa. Later, the Villains lose by a mile in a muddy obstacle course challenge, leaving the Heroes with a hidden immunity idol, team immunity and a lot of momentum and the Villains bruised, battered and defeated.

It is amazing that after 20 seasons, this show can still be so entertaining.

Ep. “Ambushed”

TEAM BETHENNY! RA, RA, RA!

Okay, so I thought that no season would be able to rival the Real Housewives of Orange County when it came to fights, especially after their last season, but the Real Housewives of New York continue to baffle me from week to week. This year, the show started off with a bang, and it has just gotten juicier and juicier every week. I must say I am definitely on Bethenny’s side when it comes to her fight with Jill, and I applaud her for her ability to enter into that completely awkward discussion at Ramona’s apartment. I could not believe, however, how much LuAnn kept on trying to get in the conversation with her tea and the car, etc., etc. Let the women talk it out, you crazy woman! And Jill really needs to be more understanding. Bethenny is not the “toxic” one. Holding a grudge is what is toxic. Forgive, move on and become cordial again. But at the same time, this fight is quite entertaining television.

But, apart from the Jill-Bethenny conversation, the episode was relatively boring. I wonder when they are going to announce Bethenny’s pregnancy. I’m looking forward to it!

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Apr 08 2010
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Television, Tuesday Night

On Tuesday: Lost and V

Ep. “Happily Ever After”

First off, since I haven’t written about this season yet..IT IS AMAZING! It is right up there with season 1 as the best thing on television. Not only are they actually answering some of the questions we have had since season 1, like what is the black smoke and what is the meaning of the numbers, but they have also explained Richard and his agelessness and what the island really is, kind of. And most compelling is this new alternate reality thing where the Oceanic Flight 815 didn’t crash.

This episode centered around Desmond Hume, who is special. When the episode ended it made a lot more sense. He was chosen for an experiment by Widmore due to the fact that he was the only person alive to have survived a massive electromagnetic catastrophe (referring to the day the hatch and the day the plane crashed). Anyways, the experiment exposes Desmond to a large dual-coil electromagnet in a tiny little shed. Unlike the unfortunate operator, who died minutes before, Desmond is only knocked unconscious for a brief moment. But in that moment, Desmond’s consciousness is transfered to his body within the alternate reality where he is a single, trusted employee of Whitmore and has never fallen in love with Penny. Interesting enough, he is tasked with watching Charlie, who we saw OD on herroine a few episodes back, because he is supposed to play at a charity benefit later that day. Well Charlie doesn’t cooperate and events lead to Desmond and Charlie sinking to the bottom of a bay. Apparently during a near death experience, the characters experience a flash of their other “island” reality.

Not getting into all the details, Desmond begins to question his situation in this new alternate reality and discovers that he is the one that has to save the world.

The episode ends with Desmond fully cooperating with Widmore. As he walks away, two henchmen are murdered by Sayid and Desmond agrees to go away with him.

I just realized how crazy all of this sounds. If you don’t follow LOST you will be lost reading this post. See it all makes sense that Desmond is the key. He has had other consciousness-shifting experiences in previous episodes, so it is only correct that he is necessary to communicate with the alternate reality.

Either way, the shows amazing and I cannot to wait for next week’s Hurley-focused episode.

Ep. “Pound of Flesh”

So I am a fan of this show, but I need them to get on with the story. The first four episodes last November were all AMAZING, like couldn’t wait for next week amazing; however, so far this portion has been very long and drawn out. I think this is only the second episode since it’s spring return and I am already weighing whether I care to watch it or not. The show has tons of potential but it is taking too long to build up to the climax. But I am obviously not alone on this front, the ratings are showing a drastic decline week after week and if they dont step it up, and fast, the show is going to get cancelled before the fun happens.

Anyways, in this episode the resistance work to infiltrate the V mothership and imbed a message into Anna’s broadcast to the world. She is announching their Live Aboard program where humans are to be selected by random lottery to live inside the ship with the Vs (random, my ass). However, Ryan, the humanized V that has impregnated his girlfriend, has to attempt a suicide mission to imbed the message, but moreso for him, acquire a V drug that will save his girlfriend during the pregnancy.

On a side note, Anna is getting upset with the Fifth Columns activities, but she devices a test to determine if her alien comrades are of the resistance or not. Interesting enough, it guages empathy; apparently, Vs are totally emotionless and should have no noticeable reaction to thing that would completely upset a human being. Fifth Column members, however, have gained empathy, which is causing their questioning of Anna and her motives.

Good episode, but not great. Let’s hope that next week sparks the reintroduction of an exciting show.

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Apr 07 2010
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Monday Night, Television

On Monday: Chuck, Castle and Gossip Girl

Ep. “Chuck vs. the Other Guy”

After last week, I was dying to see this episode. Turns out Sarah was the killer of Shaw’s wife, and he wants revenge! Following a rather heartwarming and hilarious side mission where Chuck attempts to rescue Sarah from Shaw, the episode is littered with great moments. Morgan and Big Mike have two heart-to-hearts as Morgan decides to quit the Buy More and then return to the Buy More (scenes made all the better by the corny soap opera music in the background). Heartbroken Chuck goes all Intersect on Morgan and hog ties him with video game controller cables, and Casey gets “buy-mored.”

And to top it all off, the last 20 minutes were AMAZING! Shaw is actually working for the Ring and kidnaps Sarah, bringing her to the spot in Paris where she killed his wife. Chuck and Casey pursue in hopes to reach her in time and capture the Ring Director. Chuck and Shaw fight, leading to Chuck losing and Shaw taking Sarah to be thrown into the Seine river. In the end, Chuck actually kills Shaw by shooting him three times in the chest; therefore, actually completing his spy training (referring to previous episode) and saving Sarah. Casey is reinstated as an agent, Morgan joins Team Bartowski and Sarah and Chuck get it on in Paris (finally!).

I need this show to be renewed! I love it and fans love it, but the ratings are starting to slip. I think this week got a bit of a bump, but it is right on the cusp of what NBC would considered renewable viewership. Now, with a three wee hiatus, I fear for the shows survival. Watch it! Watch it! Watch it! It is only the best thing on TV on Mondays. What are you watching Dancing with the Stars? Ugh.

Ep. “Wrapped Up in Death”

I love this show. Every week I look forward to the new adventures of Beckett and Castle, and they never seem to disappoint.

In this week’s episode, Beckett investigates the mysterious murder of an assistant curator, who has recently discovered the tomb of a notorious Mayan king. This leads to hilariously juvenile excitement on Castle’s part, as he gets to go to the museum and see all the cool ancient stuff. It turns out that the staff are blaming the curse of the Mayan king as the reason for the curator’s death. It says that all those who look upon the face of the king are doomed to die. Unfortunately, Castle’s curious sensibilities lead him to seeing mentioned king’s face before hearing about the curse. This is what made the episode. Watching Castle cope with his looming death was priceless, especially since Beckett and the team pull a few pranks on him to sweeten the situation. Loved it. It always seems to be the best thing before bed.

Ep. “Inglourious Bassterds”

I still feel guilty every time I watch this show. I shouldn’t like it, as I am a man, but something about it draws me in. Anyways, my man-pride aside. I enjoyed the episode. It was Nate’s birthday and Serena was throwing him an “Assassin” party. I have never played Assassin, but now I am hoping that I can get a game going in the very near future. Apart from that, Dan and Vanessa’s relationship continues to have it’s bumps and bruises as they work out the differences between a friendship and romantic entanglement. Also, Vanessa is apparently applying to the Tisch School for the Arts at NYU as well, and she hasn’t told Dan (GASP!). After last week episode, where Jenny gets ruffied and saved by Nate, Jenny is how gungho on stealing Nate from Serena (oy vey) and she steals a kiss with him during Assassin.

On the Bass side, Jack and Chuck continue to have a pissing contest in relation to the Empire Hotel, and it turns out that Chuck manipulates Blair into “sleeping” with Jack to get the hotel back. In the end, Chuck has his hotel, but does he have Blair anymore?

Sidebars: Dorota and Vanya get engaged and Eric finds a new love interest in a mysterious man from the lobby.

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Mar 29 2009
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Sunday Night, Television

On Sunday: Kings

KingsEp. “First Night”

This show is still proving to be very interesting and entertaining to watch but this episode was not nearly as engaging and dramatic as the previous two. This time, the Queen and Jack conspire to shift public opinion of David after they realize that is popularity is beginning to exceed that of the royal family. As such, the Queen uninvited him from the first artistic performance ever performed in Shiloh and Jack takes him and a group of sodliers out for a night on the town. For Jack, however, the night on the town was actually a platform to catch David in a lust-filled stupor and then leak pictures to the press.

The other part of the episode went around King Silas and his illegitimate son. Basically, the son is sick and Silas has to secretly go to his aid in the hospital. He seems very concerned about his secret child but in the end I believe he ends up walking out on the son and the mistress. It was very confusing.

I still am very excited about the entire Biblical story unfolding on the series and I am interested to see how the character profiles develop over the course of the season. Also, I was brushing up on the story of David this weekend and I came across some of the less than honorable bits of his past (mhmm, Bathsheba). I wonder if the show will last long enough for these bits to come up and how they will address them in the modern setting.

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