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.

Revenge 3.03 Review: Confessing is Good for the Soul

Anyone that has yet to watch last night’s episode of Revenge, titled ‘Confession’, or are simply not caught up in the series, I urge you to do so now. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

This week’s episode was actually a pretty good one. The revelation that Aiden is not actually betraying Emily was quite welcome. In that last scene where she touches his scar, it was heart wrenching, she so obviously wants to be with him, but she can’t, not if she wants her vengeance wrought upon the guilty people. Still, it almost makes me want her relationship with Aiden to be who she ends up with, despite being someone who thought she belonged with Jack.

And Jack, the way he was looking at her this week, at the point right before Margo walked in, was so subtle but perfect. Obviously he wants to protect his son, but he also does still care about her, and I’m just glad he does. Though, he is awfully short, compared to Emily in heels. But I digress.

Nolan as always was hilarious. I loved when he was telling the party planner he didn’t need SeaWorld, he just need an enclosed space with a few dolphins. It was probably my favourite line of the episode, and you’d find it below if it wasn’t so long and I really wanted to get to being finished my reviews for the night. Otherwise with Nolan, I felt kind of bad for him when he realized who Patrick was, though I’m not surprised if he’s the man Nolan will give his heart to at some point. It also makes me hope more that Patrick sticks around for a while.

Before learning that Aiden was really just helping Emily out, I was wondering why he hadn’t told Victoria that Emily is actually Amanda Clarke. I suppose that helped to cement in the back of my head that he wasn’t actually going after Emily. But at the same time, why had he searched through her house for the box (which had thankfully been hidden at Nolan’s)? That’s one point that now no longer makes sense.

I just loved the fact that Nolan was wearing a t-shirt with his mug shot on it, just something classic I would expect him to do. And boy is that Lorde song Royals making its rounds through television. Last week it was on The Vampire Diaries, this week it’s on Revenge. The girl does have a beautiful voice, especially being that she’s only seventeen. I expect a long career for her if she keeps up with this.

My one kind of minor issue with this episode was the whole Daniel trying to keep Margo from interviewing Nolan. What is up with that? I mean, doesn’t everyone know Nolcorp was owned by Grayson Global, so that can’t be the reason he’s trying to shield him from the magazine? I honestly just don’t get his problem.

All in all this was a very pleasant episode. I knew there was no way Conrad would be able to confess, but I’m wondering what killed (is he dead?) the priest. How did they crash? I’m curious to learn what happened next episode. I’m also curious to know why Emily would rather hurt Victoria more than Conrad, is it because Victoria betrayed her father more because she was in love with him?

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Line:

“Or flannel.” – Charlotte says to Jack about what he can’t wear to Nolan’s party.

All right, that’s all for tonight folks. I’m off to bed, maybe read a little more Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Check back in tomorrow for reviews of How I Met Your Mother, Bones, Sleepy Hollow, and The Blacklist.

Revenge 3.02 Review: Sometimes it's Best to Forgive

Anyone that hasn’t watched last night’s episode of Revenge, entitled ‘Sin’, should go do so now, otherwise this blog may spoil the contents. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

I’m going to keep this review brief, as it’s five in the morning, and I’m exhausted. So, I’m going to just hit the highlights, and go from there.

Quite possibly my favourite character in this episode was Charlotte. Christa B. Allen has grown so much just in the evidence of the last two episodes. As a strong, young woman, she is appearing very empowered, and much deeper than the whiny brat of the last two seasons. I very much approve of this strong willed, quite better dress young woman. And just her confession that her guilt for Declan’s death is what she believes caused her miscarriage was rather breathtaking in execution.

For the first time in Revenge, I honestly felt bad for the gentleman being taken down in this episode. By all accounts, he appears to have tried to make as deep amends for his actions as he can, and when Emily struck him over the head I felt a sinking feeling in my gut. I so strongly wished she’d been able to detract her revenge scheme in time, but it was too late. I’m just glad she, though too late, felt that this red X was wrongfully enacted, and I look forward to her attempts to exonerate the man in future episodes, because I honestly liked this character.

The way they’re writing Jack this season, I’m not sure I’m happy about. I don’t really like how he’s reacted to finding out he did not marry his childhood sweetheart, and that she’s actually this revenge-seeking woman. It doesn’t feel genuine, it feels like his emotions keep getting tossed from one end of the spectrum to the other, as if he’s a hormonal woman. To me, it doesn’t feel like the writing is doing a good job of keeping Jack around in this series. I mean, what’s the point of keeping him here, if this is all he’s doing? I do hope he has more scenes with Charlotte, because those were good, but otherwise, he needs better development.

Patrick this episode was a little strange. I understood, but didn’t like the way he closed the door on Emily. I’m sure his mother has imparted her dislikes of the woman on him, but that’s a woman who tried to give him hush money to stay away. Why would he honestly take her opinion of people to heart? Also, what is with the incestuous vibes she often gives off to him? That relationship doesn’t seem like it’s going to end well, they’ve got a rather strange connection. It makes for interesting television, but it’s odd nonetheless. I did, however, like the dinner table exchange between them where he gets up to leave, and she puts shame on her family for their shortcomings toward Patrick.

One thing I really didn’t like about this episode was the way they’re writing Aiden, even more so than the way they’re writing Jack. I know the showrunner bumped him up to a regular last season, but there’s really no necessity in having him around. This is really just away to keep the actor, when it’s not at all genuine to the story, or the characters. Especially when the way he left last season gave me the impression he desperately wanted to get to Emily, not back at her. Remember Aiden, you’re the one that killed her mentor, and she’s not too handy with forgiveness.

Otherwise, the momentum of the episode wasn’t bad, as usual Nolan was awesome, I just almost wish there was a little more of him, and a little less Victoria. Please get rid of this Aiden scheme and I’ll be happy, as well as giving Jack an actual storyline. I really liked the guy in the first season, and as a fan of Roswell, I don’t want the actor gone.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

I’m off to bed now, to continue rereading the first Harry Potter book. Tune in tomorrow for reviews of Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Sleepy Hollow, and The Blacklist, not necessarily in that order.