The Originals 1.09 Review: We Rule Together

All those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of The Originals, entitled ‘Reigning Pain in New Orleans’, I suggest you go do that now before proceeding ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Despite my belief that Klaus managed to usurp Marcel’s power structure so quickly, this was a decent episode nonetheless. I’m absolutely loving Hayley in this series versus the series she was introduced to us in. She seems to be the most grounded, real character this series has, most likely due to the fact she’s the only one Klaus won’t kill/dagger, as long as she’s – to quote her character in this episode – in the family way.

There was a really nice, tender moment between Klaus and Marcel in this episode, where Klaus explains to Marcel the reasons he took the kingdom from him, and why he wants the body now. This was a surprisingly tender moment for this character, particularly being that he’s not one to let anyone in. Being that this character is supposed to be psychotic though, I’m not sure how integral this was to the story so early on in the series. I am kind of missing the loveable bad ass that Klaus was on The Vampire Diaries.

A few other things to note regarding this week’s installment of the series. I loved the use of a musical beat as Marcel smiles and accepts the equal status Klaus has asked of him. Also, the absolutely wonderful use of language that both Klaus and Elijah exhibit. What is it with the British and their beautiful use of their native tongue? First Sleepy Hollow’s Ichabod speaks so eloquently, and also Klaus and Elijah now. Another thing, I loved the way Davina said to Cami, “Oh, you’ve been compelled.” Just like it’s another walk in the park, as simple as that. And, finally, I have to address the fact that this series somehow has tried to substitute Klaus’s feelings for Caroline by throwing in the similarly blonde Cami. While the scene between them was beautifully acted, it just did not fit with this character, and the fact that Caroline is honestly still it for him. Oh, and I did enjoy the little exchange between Klaus and Hayley where she addresses what will happen to her after the baby is born, and he’s basically stumped in what to tell her.

Basically, this was a decent episode in a series that had a stronger six or seven episode opening. Unfortunately the last two or three episodes have not quite lived up to the earlier episodes, and this series is seeming to become less than a guilty pleasure and more of just something watched out of intrigue. I do believe the showrunners need to get this series back on a track that is suited for these characters and the beautiful city of New Orleans. Sadly, they seem to be managing to run these characters into the ground more than they’re providing well-developed progress.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“You’re Hayley? Klaus’s wife.” – Davina asks. “Ew. No. Never.” – Hayley replies.

“Darling, we have to stop meeting like this, this is how rumours begin.” – Elijah tells the vampire whose throat he clutches.

“You’re choosing him over me, aren’t you? Again.” – Rebekah says to Marcel.

“You don’t make it easy to love you, brother.” – Elijah explains to Klaus.

Okay, I’m off to watch Supernatural now, and afterwards it’s Trophy Wife. Stay tuned.

The Originals 1.08 Review: Fear is Not the Same Thing as Loyalty

For all those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of The Originals, entitled ‘The River in Reverse’, here is where I suggest you go do that before proceeding ahead. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

I’m not sure how to dictate my feelings towards this episode. It seems like all of this was culminating, but almost like we got to the end of the chapter far too quickly. Klaus gained control of the kingdom by having Marcel swear allegiance to him, but it seems like this has happened way too early in this series. I thought for sure that this would at least play out until the end of the season, but I suppose this and The Vampire Diaries are ones to have half-season arcs, rather than full season arcs that made Buffy the Vampire Slayer work so well. Yes, this episode had its moments, but it didn’t work quite as well as it could have, had it done a season long arc.

For the first five minutes of this episode, I blissfully forgot that Tyler had hopped over to this series. And then we came around to the scene of planning an attack against Klaus, and there he was, in all his terrible glory. At least Rebekah snapped his neck and he now appears to be in the garden for some time, at least I hope. They really didn’t need to keep Tyler around on this series passed that one episode he did two weeks ago; he doesn’t fit in this world, and he always manages to ruin Hayley’s character whenever they’re around one another. Plus he’s gone so far off the deep end that it would really be nice if he would go away, permanently.

Marcel and Bekah working together and being together is another little issue I had. It was easy to see their attraction towards each other, even with the obstacle of him having affection for Cami – which was terribly written out – but they got together far too quickly. While this series has managed to have its good moments, it seems to be wanting to progress things far too quickly than it should, and Marcel and Rebekah was one of those things.

There were a couple things I did like about this episode. One was definitely when Klaus wiped the floor with all those vampires, especially when he gave them his hybrid face. Another was when Rebekah told Marcel to take the coin. And the third was Hayley’s hair. That girl has some gorgeously maintained locks that I would desperately like to get my hands on.

Overall, I’m becoming more iffy on this series. I expected more from Elijah’s fever dreams, as well as more about Hayley’s lineage that we did get. The girl’s supposed to descend from some royal werewolf line, but her family lives in a bayou? I get that they were driven out by Marcel, but why stay near there? They’re not the witches; they don’t depend on ancestral magic to stay werewolves. But still, I am enjoying parts of this series, I just desperately wish that Caroline was here already. I don’t like the way their writing Cami, at all, even if the actress does the part well, I just want Caroline.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Remind me to annihilate your brother when you get healthy.” – Hayley says. “Yes, remind me to remind you to get in line.” – Elijah replies.

“I doubt you’d trust your own reflection.” – Cami tells Klaus, hitting it right on the nail.

“It’s an ancient mystical plot I’m using to destroy you.” – Cami informs Klaus, dryly, before revealing it to be doodles for a tattoo idea.

“Yes, it is ironic discussing freewill with a mind-controlling vampire.” – Father Kieran mutters.

Okay, I’m off to watch Supernatural now, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. afterwards. Stay tuned.

American Horror Story: Coven 3.07 Review: An Indifference to Suffering

For any that have yet to watch last night’s episode of American Horror Story: Coven, entitled ‘The Dead’, that is what I suggest you do now before reading ahead. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

As opposed to last week’s terribly filmed episode, this one was much better. I feel like it’s a hit and miss every week with this series; one week it’s bad, the next it’s good. This episode would fall in the latter character. The cinematography was overall very well done, the story progressed immensely in numerous ways, and we got more insight on a fair amount of the characters. That is what I would call a job well done.

There were a lot moments that made me feel something in this episode. First off, I feel really bad for Tate – Kyle, I mean Kyle – who doesn’t feel like himself because he’s composed of different body parts, and is trying to work through those issues. Still, I would like it if he could be able to talk intelligently, at some point. Also, I really felt for Madison, for once, with her whole speech about being apart of the Y Generation and how she can no longer feel even if she wanted to. In life she took it for granted, and now half-dead she doesn’t have it. Except for, apparently, when she does another dead person (read: Kyle). Another thing is how expressive Jessica Lange is in her physical movements. Just the shots of her hands rubbing together were rather evocative and so very Lange; I can remember her doing the same thing in season one. And one more thing was the exquisite use of the saxophone. The sound it makes as it is expertly played is such a beautiful thing to behold.

I really enjoyed the way this started off with a flashback of Kyle and his frat brothers and there tattoos, including a hint of the situation with his mother in that broken look he briefly had. Then to fold that into the next scene where he cries over having the tattoos on his body, such a masterfully done technique used. My one issue with Kyle this episode is that there hasn’t been quite enough movement with his character. We can see he cares for Zoe, and that he’s still working through all the things with his mom and frat brothers, but then to go and have sex with Madison was a little iffy. Not that I’m against the use of it, I just found his fondness for Zoe, despite the bond that they shared that Madison seemed to manipulate, it didn’t quite fit in right there. But then it, of course, led to what I can only say must be a threesome. I’m really not sure where they’re going with this now. Was that all just because Evan Peters and Emma Roberts are dating? It kind of felt that way to me.

Elsewhere, it seems that Queenie has joined Marie Laveau (who, can I just say, is being played brilliantly by Angela Bassett) over on the Voodoo side. How was this not obvious that it would happen? Isn’t her witch power a Voodoo power? I could’ve sworn she descended from the same line as Laveau. Plus Queenie was just getting annoyingly stupid. Not feeling apart of the coven and everything when really she was the one keeping the coven at arms length because she didn’t feel like she belonged. It’s not their fault they weren’t trying to include her, she never even acted like she wanted to be there, and sometimes you just have to take the initiative – and not blame everyone else. I think that’s the main reason I can’t stand her character; I just really wish she would die soon. She’s grotesquely overweight, and that’s just not okay.

So all in all, this was a good episode. Despite the pervy Axeman, who watched Fiona grow up into a woman and his feelings changed from fatherly to manly, this was a good episode. There was a little too much focus on Fiona and the Axeman, but that could just be me feeling that way because her character is kind of getting on my nerves. I did enjoy the one-on-one between Cordelia and Zoe, and Zoe’s initiative with Spalding – although I will miss O’Hare dancing with the dolls. Also, I can’t finish without commenting on that beautiful arsenal Cordelia’s – unbeknownst to her – witch hunter husband. That was a nice display. Otherwise, I enjoyed this week’s episode, now let’s just see about next week.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“You can’t drink or fight, you’re a little bitch.” – Kyle tells his frat brother who just got an Irish-related tattoo, in a flashback.

“A wounded animal will rip you apart if it’s cornered.” – Cordelia explains to Zoe, regarding Fiona.

Alright, folks, that’s all for tonight. Check back in tomorrow night for my reviews of The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon A Time In Wonderland, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Crazy Ones – not necessarily in that order.

American Horror Story: Coven 3.06 Review: Don't Mess With Spirit Boards

Anyone that has yet to watch last night’s episode of American Horror Story: Coven, entitled ‘The Axeman Cometh’, here’s where I suggest that is what you do before proceeding ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Well, we’re halfway through the season. I do like the material they’ve created this season, but each episode doesn’t quite feel like one full episode. Like tonight’s episode, it felt like half an episode rather than an entire episode with a clearly written beginning, middle, and end. There’s no horror to this season, I thought they’d at least be well written episodes. It’s like one half of an episode is the end to the last, and the other half is the beginning to the next episode. It’d be one thing if all of the episodes were out at once, but it’s aggravating when I have to wait a week to see some sense of conclusion.

One thing I do enjoy this season are some of the characters. Like I believe I mentioned in my review of last week’s episode, Zoe started out as such a scared, little girl, and has really grown into this strong witch that wants to fight to survive. At this point, I honestly don’t care if they say otherwise; Zoe is the next Supreme in my books. Nan is also an interesting character, definitely a step up from the minutely annoying Addie. Queenie, on the other hand, is a character I don’t like. At all. She’s moronic, believing Fiona when she’s obviously being manipulated, and then the way she acted with Bastien. Fiona I’m back and forth on. Her selfishness doesn’t make her much of a redeeming character, but the way she’s trying to step up for Cordelia gives me some hope in her. Cordelia, on the other hand, is definitely better than Paulson’s character last season, but so far I still prefer her character from season one. I’m not much of one to think Paulson is a strong enough actress to carry a season, or have as heavy a role as she has had these last two seasons. Kyle I’m still intrigued by, but I’m still waiting for him to get over this lack of being able to speak. And then Misty I was much happier with when she was fawning over Zoe and wanting to find her tribe, rather than bringing back Myrtle. But I did enjoy her for the most part this week.

So the husband is a witch hunter. That makes more sense now, with the redhead from last week and how he killed her. Still, I’m not quite certain why he would work for Marie Leveau if he’s a witch hunter, this series does state she is a witch, just of a different kind. This does make this come together a bit better, though. I always find this series has stronger second halves of the seasons, when the writing gets clearer and is strung together better. That’s definitely a touchy tactic when it could just as easily fail by causing a series to shed viewership. Nonetheless, I still end up watching the season.

All in all, I do find the writing is stronger as this season goes on, but there isn’t much horror to it. The stories are interesting, but this series is called American Horror Story, not American Story. After the first season, I expected more, but I suppose intriguing storytelling will have to suffice. It does have its sparing moments, but maybe it’s because I have a lamp on so that I’m able to write notes, but its just not getting to me at all. And my house is actually haunted. Although I suppose that might make this season seem less scary, even with that ax man added in. Still, I hold out hope that it will get better. It is, after all, a hell of a lot better than last season.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Best Line:

“You released him?” – Queenie questions. “I told him I would! I lied.” – Zoe explains, diabolically.

All right, that’s all for tonight folks. Check back in tomorrow for my reviews of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Crazy Ones. Good night to all you other night workers out there!

The Originals 1.06 Review: No One Hurts Family and Lives to Talk About It

Anyone that has yet to watch Tuesday night’s episode of The Originals, entitled ‘Fruit of the Poisoned Tree’, now is your last chance to do so without the threat of spoilers before reading ahead. As always, this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

This series is such a guilty pleasure for me because I absolutely love it. It doesn’t always end up moving the way I expect, or want, it to go, but I keep tuning in every week and enjoying this series to no end. Perhaps it’s partly due to my deep love for all things New Orleans, or even my masterful crush on series lead Joseph Morgan, but either way I just love this series. It’s not the best, nor most intellectual of series I’ve ever had the pleasure of viewing, but it is a good, enjoyable watch.

One thing I absolutely love about this series is its strange, but strong family values. The Mikaelson’s are such a screwed up family unit, but the bond they have to each other is amazing. Being a person that has a strong family value myself, I quite admire their family unit. They won’t think twice about murder, but at least they have each other, even if they sometimes screw up.

My two favourite elements to this series are definitely Klaus and Elijah, and while it is Klaus’s series to an extent, Elijah is beginning to steal the focus of this show. I love Joseph Morgan and Klaus, but Elijah’s honour and dependability in his word just makes him such a class act that I both yearn for and enjoy watching. He definitely has that older brother vibe, always having to take care of his younger siblings, although I still swear Finn was the oldest, and while I, myself, only have one sibling I understand the desire to protect and almost take care of the younger siblings – although I don’t hold as steadfast to my word and am closer to Klaus in my selfish, stubbornness.

Two subtle moments to this episode that I absolutely adored were when Hayley smiled after Elijah corrected himself in saying they may need to kill everyone, and when Klaus smiled after Elijah ripped out the hearts of the witches in the church. Such brilliance in something so subtle, which makes me undoubtedly believe the cinematography in this series, is absolutely well done. It may not have the most original ideas when it comes to writing, but the acting and the way it is shot is especially well done.

Even a day after having watched the episode, I have this excited feeling in my chest that I get when I watch or read an especially moving piece of work. A feeling that tells me I am in love with an idea or a string of scenes, and this series is definitely beginning to get that. As I lose interest in The Vampire Diaries, this series gains my interest. It could be that these people are gorgeous and that it has yet to especially let me down due to it not having aired very long, but I have hope that it will continue to grow into something exciting and fresh. Back when I heard that this idea of a spinoff was in the works, I desperately hoped it wouldn’t come to fruition, but after having watched it these last six episodes, I find that instinct quite wrong. Still, the one thing that is missing is Caroline.

When it was first introduced, I thought the idea of Hayley pregnant, a character I couldn’t stand on The Vampire Diaries but have grown to love on this series, was just an idea stolen from Angel. Now I’ve grown to actually find this tantalizing storytelling, something The Vampire Diaries has mostly lost. Maybe all the good (and I say that very lightly) writers have left that series for this one, because this one is easily better than its predecessor. I’m just really not looking forward to having Tyler on this series, we finally just got rid of him on The Vampire Diaries, why does he have to come and probably ruin Hayley’s character on here?

The one thing I have real issue with on this series is the character of Cami. I just find her useless, and just something in the way of Klaroline, and to distract all of those shippers (of which I will honestly say that I am apart of) from that having been written into the mothership series. I could care less about her character now that Klaus has ruined her character by bringing her into things, but only when he’s near her. It’s just too much fluff for my taste. Yeah, sure, the actress is very good in the part, the emotion of her character’s woes comes across quite easily, but I just don’t find she’s necessary to the story.

All in all, I adore this series. This week’s episode fit quite well coming out of last week’s episode that told the story behind Davina and her extreme amount of witchy power. There was a definite race against the clock type feel to it that came from Elijah and Klaus trying to unlink Hayley from Sophie, to save Hayley’s baby. And I can hardly wait for the next episode to find out what happened to Hayley and where she went. It was probably necessary to get Rebekah to stick around, but I’m curious nonetheless. This series has a lot more going for it than it’s predecessor.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Probably no one. (Pause) Alright, potentially everyone.” – Elijah utters, about who they’ll have to kill.

“I feel like I’ve been microwaved.” – Hayley states about the curse that was put on Sophie to get to Hayley’s baby.

Yay, only one more review to catch up on and it should be pretty easy. Stick around for my review of Supernatural. Then I’m going to watch Revolution and American Horror Story: Coven and review those. Happy watching!