American Horror Story: Coven 3.04 Review: United We Stand, Divided We Fall

For all those that have yet to watch Wednesday’s episode of American Horror Story: Coven, titled ‘Fearful Pranks Ensue’, this is the only point where I’ll suggest you go and do that now before reading ahead. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed at your own discretion.

This week’s episode was so beyond better than the last three episodes, it’s exciting to think. No, there hasn’t been much horror to this season, but the writing was a lot tighter this week, the characters more interesting, and the most encouraging thing about this week’s episode was how wonderful the cinematography was compared to previous weeks. There were still a few moments to the episode, most notably near the end, that could’ve been done without, but overall I was much happier with the camera work this week.

At first I was a little worried Spalding’s backstory would turn out to be moronic, but it was astonishingly interestingly done. It was quite obvious that he was in love with Fiona, but that was still an intriguing touch added in there that he was the person to cut his tongue out. Still, I feel like there needs to be a little more development to him, because he’s really not that great of a character for someone such as Denis O’Hare.

There several small things I loved about this episode. It made me laugh to see Spalding cover his paper from the prying eyes of the Council. I also liked how Zoe seemed to take charge with Kyle, and how she seemed to be a stronger character this week then a few episodes ago. Just leads me to believe she really is the next Supreme. It was also sad but well done the way Marie Leveau took care of that one woman who lost her son to black haters.

There are definitely some questions circulating in my head. Are the writers calling Voodoo Black witchcraft? I’d think they’d give more credit to the craft that it is its own thing. What’s with the dolls in Spalding’s room, and that he was going to dress up Madison’s dead body in Fiona’s old dress? Where did Kyle run off to, and why? Why wasn’t Zoe out there looking for him? And why in all hell did Cordelia’s husband kill that woman? Oh, and was it really necessary to just write that actress into one episode like that when she’s so much better than just a one episode character?

All in all, this week was definitely an improvement. There are still kinks to be worked out by the end of the season, and more horror definitely needs to be added, but it’s getting better a lot quicker than last season did. Maybe season one set the bar too high, but I still expect a lot when that is what’s been created. I am excited to see Marie Leveau and Fiona go head to head.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Line:

“If she’s dead, it’s probably because she got wasted and offered the Grim Reaper a hand job.” – Queenie says to the Witches Council.

Alright, that’ll have to be all for the night because I’m still exhausted. My brain is starting to nod off, so I’m signing out. I’ll try and post the review of Thursday’s episode of The Crazy Ones before I go to work tomorrow, but no promises.

Revenge 3.04 Review: Everyone has a Hidden Agenda

All those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Revenge, titled ‘Mercy’, then I suggest you go and do so now or exit this screen. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Well, for the most part I quite enjoyed this episode. So much seemed to happen all in one episode, but it mostly all came together quite well. A lot of the characters appear to have taken major steps forward. Conrad knows he’s not sick, and begins to try and take control of his house back. Victoria initially gets a job, and then ends up taking over the business through conniving blackmail. Emily and Daniel’s relationship is rocked when passive aggressive behavior is not so easily smoothed out. Jack made his own choices and helps out Emily without her approval. Nolan made steps back towards tech-dom and made headway with Patrick.

I’m beginning to like Daniel less and less. He’s no longer this hopeful type trying hard not to be controlled by his family, but this man that makes power plays and thinks about only his own future. Jack, however, I’m liking more than I did in the first episode of this season. He’s not letting Emily control him, and is taking his own steps to help her takedown go smoother, but not giving her all the cards. I also really liked Aiden in this episode, surprising enough. While last week he played it like he was strictly there to help Emily out, and she wished they could be more, but this week it seemed more like he wanted her to lean on him. That vulnerability he showed in that strong desire was breathtaking. I absolutely adored that two steps back when he learned Jack knew Emily was really Amanda Clarke. The previews for next week look amazing; jealousy looks good on the man. While I do want Emily and Jack together, I’m seeing more to Aiden’s character than I had before.

Nolan was hilarious in this episode. That whole back and forth about his addiction to tech was fabulous. Gabriel Mann plays this character so spectacularly every week; he’s always so comedic. I’m extremely excited to learn what he found out about Patrick; no doubt it will be quite intriguing. When Nolan went in to kiss Patrick, I was a little confused by his pulling back; there was such great chemistry between these two men. Then Patrick went in and kissed Nolan, and my heart just swelled for the man. Nolan deserves some happiness, and the way he was smiling just made me feel like he’s going to have that for a little while. Still, I’m not sure why Patrick pulled back at first.

Overall, pretty good episode for the series. I do think it was a little soon for Conrad to learn he didn’t have Huntington’s, but this series never seems to do what I expect, so I’ll give my faith over to them, for once. Definitely want to see more of Aiden’s range of emotions this year; they’re much better this year than last. And I’d also like to see more of Jack and Emily working together. Plus, Charlotte needs a little more screen time next week, stop focusing so much on Conrad. And one final note, that emotion Emily allowed herself when Father Paul died was simply perfect.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Just once. Yeah, then I can stop. I can stop any time.” – Nolan says, acting like any typical addict.

“If I can’t stop, then I can write a program that will make me stop.” – Nolan continues, reveling to the blind that his addiction is to tech.

Alright, that’s all for tonight. I’m free to spend the next few hours as I wish. Maybe I’ll write, maybe I’ll go watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who knows?Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Sleepy Hollow, and The Blacklist.

But check back in tomorrow for reviews of

Once Upon A Time 3.04 Review: Escape Is Key

Anyone that has yet to watch tonight’s episode of Once Upon A Time, entitled ‘Nasty Habits’, then I suggest you go and do so immediately. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed at your own discretion.

Up until about the last ten minutes of this episode I was thinking, for a Rumplestiltskin centric episode, this wasn’t all that bad. But then the writers go and throw the obvious, the cliché, Henry gets recaptured and hears the flute’s music. Why would he be so stupid as to think there’s no possible way Peter Pan could be evil? I just can’t comprehend someone that was basically kidnapped to the island, somehow seeing their kidnapper as a friend. Is Henry getting Stockholm syndrome?

Elsewhere, I’m beginning to get a little sick of Rumplestiltskin’s character, especially all of his interactions with young Baelfire. He just constantly plays into this cliché character, where his cards have already been dealt and he’s stuck playing the one game. Over, and over again. It’s growing tedious. And the need to throw Belle into his scenes, it’s stupid; she doesn’t even seem like the same character. I much prefer his character in the first season, when he was this sinister, clearly evil character. But this series is turning everything upside down, next thing you know Peter Pan’s going to good at heart.

Seeing Neal in Neverland for the first three-quarters of the episode was pretty decent. The actor is much better at playing the character angry, intense, or in scenes with Emma. I’m not much for the Rumple scenes, so any of Neal’s scenes with him weren’t completely great.

Okay, I’m just going to call it now, Charming is somehow going to be cured; there’s no way they’ll kill off his character. This series has yet to kill off any beloved characters (*cough*Rumple*cough*), and I doubt they’ll kill him off now. This show is just too typical, they need to bring Joss Whedon in here to throw a few wrenches in the happily ever after love scenarios. Really, I’ll be completely and utterly shocked if he is killed.

While short, I was happy with Tinkerbell scenes; particularly how difficult Emma found it to say her name. It was good to see that put them all on the trail of an escape plan; don’t ever make a plan of breaking someone out when you have no way out. Unless you plan on making it a suicide mission, but then what would be the point in going in to save someone?

Anyways, while there are interesting points to this season, it isn’t going nearly as well as previous series. As always, the CGI work is terrible and distracting, find a bigger budget for it. Stop focusing on terrible characters, and try making it less cliché.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Best Line:

“I remember plenty, it’s why I didn’t coat the tip.” – Neal tells Pan, after having shot an arrow at him.

Alright, I’m off to watch Revenge. Stay tuned.

New Girl 3.04 Review: Feelings Versus a Physical Relationship

If you haven’t watched last night’s New Girl episode, entitled ‘The Captain’, then now would be a good time to do so. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed at your own discretion.

What can I say about this episode? I honestly have only one note, and it’s not even a note, it’s my favourite line of the episode. There were some funny moments, one in particular being when Jess turns off the light and makes the horn noise. Winston was also funny, with his desire to get his cat laid. He genuinely did get it right though, that he’s hosting a cat brothel, but still the most normal roommate in the loft.

I’m really just looking forward to seeing Coach back in the series, for whatever time he is in it. Winston is great, but he’s the only thing that keeps me watching it week to week, as I wait to see Coach. Jess and Nick’s relationship is incredibly dull already, and they’ve only been together one month. And then the whole Schmidt situation where he didn’t end up picking one woman just came to a head way too early. This series is nowhere near the comical standing of Friends, I can’t see it lasting more than another year or two, if this is the way it keeps going.

In the beginning, these characters were funny, they were getting to know each other, we were getting to know them. Now it’s like we know them too much, and there’s nothing left to learn. Don’t get me wrong, I always enjoy seeing how much characters know about each other, but there has to be a little bit of mystery for the audience to be able to grow fond of.

My rating: 6 out of 10.

Best Line:

“How often do you groom your cat?” – Winston asking a woman, and she thinks he’s referring to them as cats.

All right, I’m going to try and punch in Trophy Wife and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. but it looks like I’m not going to get to Supernatural tonight. Stay tuned.