Teen Wolf 3.16 Review: You Can't Fight A Shadow

This is a friendly reminder to all those that have yet to watch Monday night’s episode of Teen Wolf, titled ‘Illuminated’, that now would be the perfect time to direct your head away from this screen and to go and watch that. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Surely it is a sad day when I am able to wholeheartedly concur that an MTV made series is better than that of one the big five networks (I’m looking at you CW). More specifically, this show is several steps ahead of both The Vampire Diaries and The Originals in numerous ways. And boy am I glad that at least something of the paranormal variety is being done well (sorry, Supernatural, I’m rather disappointed with you as of late).

This series, man, is just incredibly addictive. I have yet to catch up on either Sleepy Hollow’s two-hour season finale, or the last two episodes of Almost Human, but I am caught up on this series. I just have to say how incredibly glad I am that they’ve given us two half-seasons this year, because this half of the season is so incredibly tantalizing. I just love everything that’s going on.

So, this week’s episode was set on Halloween, and our heroes (and some burgeoning heroes, *cough*Ethan and Aiden*cough*) found themselves being stalked by these masked shadow men – and I’m not talking the shamans that created the first slayer – these men were literally shadow-formed men. Very intriguing, and quite obviously difficult to fight, but fight Derek and Scott did try, rather fruitlessly. A lot of other stuff happened, but the biggest part of this episode were these synchronous masked shadow men.

There is a lot going on this second half of the third season, and while it may not appear to work perfectly together, I am nonetheless intrigued. I’m trusting the writers to have a plan, so I’m gathering that they will. They have, after all, seamlessly made it so that the Scott and Allison split has been natural to the story, as well as helping either of them to move on – Allison with Isaac, and Scott with new girl Kira (although I’m still convinced there are remnants of chemistry between Scott and Lydia, especially as Lydia yelled for Scott as she saw the figures). So, I trust that they know what they’re doing, seeing as their not pandering to their own selfish desires, rather than staying true to the story like some showrunners might (*cough*Julie Plec*cough*).

Let me just say, though, that I have a lot of questions that will eventually need answers. First, what is Kira, or what is protecting her? Scott says it’s a fox, but I’m curious to know what exactly it is, and why it’s protecting her. Also, what did that shadow man do to Lydia that stopped her banshee scream? And what’s with the marks they’ve put on the ones they’ve put them on? Were they also planning to mark Scott, when the sun came up? Or possibly Kira? Were these men – or whatever they are – brought here because of what Scott, Stiles, and Allison did to save their respective parents? Is that why all these things are happening now? Did they kind of forget those issues they were having this episode? And why does Allison’s father have a broken shadow man mask? Also, why did Stiles have the key, and possibly leave the message for Barrow? And, finally, what is it Scott’s father doesn’t want the Sheriff, or Stiles, to know? Like I said, so many questions, I just hope most of them can eventually get answered.

Some nice moments to mention regarding this week’s episode, one being the hilarity of Derek with the three trick or treating kids, from his confused look with them, all the way up to him scaring them off. As always, the Scott and Stiles bromance – I absolutely adore these two when they’re on screen together, and how great of a friendship they have. Also, how loyal they all seem to be to Scott, particularly Isaac, despite his feelings for Allison. Of course, I can’t go without remarking on Stiles awesome dance moves. Really, he was killing it on the dance floor (note the tone of sarcasm in my writing). Also, the fact that my second last note regarding this episode was: Damn, it’s over. This week was just jam-packed with greatness, I could go on and on about little moments in the episode, but I’ll just finish by saying I wish it never ended.

All in all, this series has definitely come together. The first couple of seasons were definitely well built, for the most part, but it’s really beginning to hit its stride. It’s even giving me strong feelings of remembrance to the good old days of the WB, when great shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Gilmore Girls were on the air with their terrific dialogue and witty characters. You don’t get that a lot these days. I can see it in Revolution, but not much else I’m currently watching has a good enough feel to it. Although I do question what the point of adding techno to the opening credits was all about. Otherwise, I’m really happy with the way this show is going, and am glad to see how greatly some of the acting has improved.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“To be honest, I don’t believe a word Stiles has said since he learned how to speak.” – the Sheriff states.

“Is that worse than stealing?” – Scott asks. “Smarter.” – Stiles replies.

“I can’t believe you just mom’d me.” – Scott remarks.

Okay, apologies for not writing any reviews in a couple weeks, I’ve been in a bit of a funk review-wise lately. But I’m going to review all shows I deem have enough material for me to write about. This is one of those series, as is Revolution. But I’m not quite sure what else between here and that will get reviewed. So don’t expect reviews for all shows listed every week. I will try to review one or two episodes a day. Unfortunately, I’ve felt more like re-watching Buffy and Angel simultaneously at the moment, so it may not be very scheduled for the time being.

American Horror Story: Coven 3.10 Review: Witches of all Colours

As a friendly reminder to all those that have yet to watch last week’s episode of American Horror Story: Coven, titled ‘The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks’, this is where I suggest you turn away from the screen and go watch the episode before proceeding ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

This is going to be short and sweet, being that I don’t have much to say regarding this episode. I will say that it was rather drab for a series that has a limited number of episodes to tell the stories it wants. Sure, Nan was killed, we learned Fiona doesn’t have a soul (uh, what?), and Madison got Misty trapped in a crypt (when why would she, being that if she’s the next Supreme, killing her won’t disprove that – these characters have no logic), but it still wasn’t very interesting.

The entirety of this episode felt very much like a nod to Stevie Nicks, being that she guest stars as slightly altered version of herself. I completely did not understand at all why they used her name in the episode title when she’s barely utilized for more than a couple talking’s to Misty and Fiona, as well as a few tunes. This season isn’t making a lot of sense to me at all. Also, the way Fiona acted around Stevie Nicks made no sense to the character that she was.

Overall, for the most part this series is well-written – basic logic aside – but it’s just not being written interestingly. There isn’t a whole lot to this year, and I’m disappointed because witches were my first supernatural love (before growing to become werewolves). The only highlight to this season is Sarah Paulson, whom I love much more this year, as this character. That breakdown she had this episode was phenomenal, and the only thing I greatly enjoyed. I just, I’m not sure how I feel about getting excited for a fourth season of this series when I haven’t loved it since season one.

My rating: 6 out of 10.

No memorable dialogue.

I’m off to watch Nashville now, check back soon.

Revolution 2.11 Review: Knowing One Another

This is a reminder for all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Revolution, entitled ‘Mis Dos Padres’, that now would be the time to divert your eyes from this screen. As always, this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love this series. The writing is consistently well done, the acting more or less superb, and the world is just so intriguing. Sure, there are still some convoluted plot points (the whole Patriots thing), but they’re the kinds that keep me on the edge of my seat as I watch this show.

Again, while I do love this show, this week’s episode very much felt like a filler episode. It makes me think that a lot of this stuff was written in to get from point A to point B, and that makes me less satisfied with the overall product of this episode and hungrier for more next week. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the episode thoroughly, but I’m a little disappointed Miles, Monroe, Rachel, and Connor weren’t able to get back to Charlie and Gene this week, although I do understand the pacing wouldn’t have been right. I’m excited to see Connor and Charlie meet each other, although I’m under the belief they may have a Rory and Jess first meeting (Gilmore Girls characters, for all you not in the know). I do hope that they still go the Monroe and Charlie route, though; those two have mad chemistry.

One thing I am hoping for soon is that the Neville’s interact with the rest of our heroes/antiheroes. It’s been too long that these characters have been away from each other, and I’m really feeling like it’s time that the show melds together. I’m fine with leaving Aaron on his own little solo tour – as long as it doesn’t overwhelm an episode – but the rest of the characters really need to come together. As much as I’m enjoying each piece to the puzzle these characters are creating, they’ve all been half a season apart, and I feel like they’ve only got a couple of episodes left in them before it feels like they’re dragging these characters apart too much.

All in all, I really love this show, and getting to wolf it down every week. I always love when Wednesday’s come around and being able to get home from work so that I can watch this show. I’m even beginning to like Rachel, in her downgraded role of not being the sole focus of an episode. I even found myself enjoying that “Hey!” and then groan, bang move she did to that Mexican cartel soldier with a pot. The fact that I’m becoming able to cheer on one of my least favourite characters just goes to show how wonderful this series really is. Honestly, I’ll be heartbroken if they don’t get a third season. Really, we should all just send light bulbs to NBC like Roswell fans did with Tabasco sauce to get another season of that show. I need more Revolution; it’s just getting into its prime.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“It’s like Donald Trump threw up on Scarface.” – Monroe remarks on Mr. Nunez’s humble abode.

“You’re a dick.” – Miles tells Bass (aka Monroe, for all you not paying attention to this show).

“Oh, shut up! You’ve been his dad for five minutes, all of a sudden you’re Cliff Huxtable?” – Miles criticizes Monroe.

“How did you know I was here?” – Gene questions. “Because you’re exactly like mom; neither of you listen.” – Charlie responds.

“Welcome to the SyFy channel.” – Aaron states.

“He’s pretty good, huh?” – Monroe enthuses about his son. “Shut up and focus.” – Miles replies.

“This poker face is my face.” – Tom says.

Oh, and don't forget:

Okay, I’m off to catch up on last week’s review of American Horror Story: Coven, and afterwards will be Nashville and this week’s episode of American Horror Story: Coven. Stay tuned.

Supernatural 9.10 Review: Power Struggles

Anyone that has yet to watch last night’s episode of Supernatural entitled ‘Road Trip’, please kindly step away from the screen and go and do that. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

While I was very much hoping the entire time that Kevin would magically come back to life, this was still a pretty decent episode. We happily got to see Tahmoh Penikett grace our screens again, and it seems like he may be sticking around for a bit as Gadreel. Abbadon made her rounds this week once again, and it seems that her and Crowley may be vying for constituents now that the latter is free from the Winchester’s cletches. And an angel free Sam – who better get that tattoo back on his chest now that Castiel burned it off him – is finally back after all these weeks. All in all, it was a very packed episode this week.

The way this episode opened up, with the hunter funeral for Kevin and Dean trashing the bunker research area, was very well done, although I would liked to have at least heard the crashing of the lamps and books as Dean tossed them around them, it would’ve been more visceral. Also, watching Dean pat his baby (the Impala for all you not Supernatural-ly inclined) was characterally brilliant and on key. I was a bit surprised, though, that they couldn’t just use one of the vehicles from the bunker, rather than the pimp mobile Cas was driving. There were a lot of great little details that added up to this episode.

Although I do still feel like this season is headed more in the direction of what used to make this show great, I am still a little worried by how heavily angels and demons this episode was involved. Don’t get me wrong, they have their uses, and I always enjoy seeing Cas, but sometimes there are just too many of them. I really wish that this show wouldn’t try to be too mythologically heavy. It was nice to have the little ghouls and cheerleaders shout out in Sam’s dream, though.

Basically, this wasn’t too bad of an episode. I try to think of myself as a more glass is half full kind of girl, so this episode was pretty good. I still don’t like having to see Metatron so damned much, but I understand he has his uses. And while I’m not the biggest war between the demons fan, at least when we see Crowley we know what we’re getting, whereas Abbadon is a loose canon. The way they end this episode was heartbreaking in the way that Sam told Dean to go. I know he’d basically gotten him possessed, but they’re brothers, family is supposed to stick by each other. Why didn’t Sam stop him?

My rating: 7 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“You were stupid for the right reasons.” – Cas tells Dean.

“I see you again-“ – Dean starts. “I’m dead. Yes, I know; love you too.” – Crowley responds.

Okay, folks, that’ll be all for catch up tonight. Go back to your own business and check back in tomorrow night for reviews of Revolution, American Horror Story: Coven, and Nashville, and maybe a couple other catch up reviews.