Revolution 2.08 Review: There Are No Miracles, Only Hard Work

For all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Revolution, titled ‘Come Blow Your Horn’, that is what I suggest you do before proceeding ahead. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Not the strongest episode of this season so far. It wasn’t all that bad, but it felt more or less like a filler. Maybe it’s because there wasn’t quite enough Monroe for my liking, or because it just didn’t feel complete enough, but that’s what I feel this episode was.

This week we had Miles, Charlie, and Rachel working together, getting Intel on Horn and trying to build a bomb to take him out. Up until the point where Aaron and Cynthia were captured, I was enjoying it. But then Monroe left them behind and there were too many men for them to get away, so Aaron and Cynthia ended up with Horn and it was too late for Rachel to take out the building. That disappointed me because I was looking forward to Horn’s death. I really hate the guy. Not the kind of hate where I wish they’d never been brought into the series, but the Umbridge kind of hate where there’s no redeeming quality for the character, I don’t even feel bad for his “sob story”. The man is inherently evil, as if he has no soul; he has to be a psychopath, or at least sociopath. I really hate him. I sincerely hope he ends up dead from the promo for the next episode.

Over on the Neville side of things, Tom goes for Allenford’s husband while Jason watches over the Mrs. I have to say that the man who plays Roger in this episode has an air of Johnny Depp to him. I think it’s the eyes. I do enjoy watching Neville’s ambitious side take over; he really wants to take these Patriots down. But I’m still looking more forward to when these two stories aren’t so clearly divided. Both teams are working at different sides, and it’s interesting for now, I’m just looking forward to the drama of everything coming together.

I’m very curious to what the overall objective of this first half of the season is all about. Discovering more about Aaron? Because I’m kind of over his whole nanotech story. It’s a little too much for me, as curious as I am about why he’s able to control the tech. Taking down the Patriots? That seems like it could turn out to be a season long – if not series long – objective for this show. The amount of planning that has gone into these people’s intentions is too complex to be solved so quickly, as dumb as they are when it comes to keeping their buildings safe. I mean, come on, why wouldn’t they think of patrolling the roofs, or at least watching them from the ground? So I’m curious to figure out what this story arc is supposed to be, because I can’t see it yet, and we’re eight episodes in. Was it to redeem Monroe or something? Because that doesn’t seem like it’s enough.

While I still think this series is my favourite returning show of the season, this wasn’t its best episode. I do like this season a lot more than I liked last season, although I did enjoy it. This season I just feel like I have the need to watch the show, rather than the desire to watch it. Last season was very much the beginning to, hopefully, many seasons of this series. It was just the set up, I’m trusting Abrams and Kripke to have a great series long arc. Just please give me more Monroe and Charlie, particularly together, and throw in some teaming up with Miles too, with lots of fighting. Those are my favourite parts. Also, don’t be afraid to pair up Charlie and Monroe; there may be a large age difference – kind of – but they have great chemistry. That’s just my two cents.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Okay, woah, okay, okay. Just don’t light me on fire or anything.” – Monroe says to Aaron as they argue.

“They’ve got dogs. When the hell did they get dogs?” – Miles questions, regarding the Patriots. Hilariously executed, something Burke is amazing at.

“We wouldn’t last three days without you.” – Aaron pleads with Monroe. “You think three?” – Monroe rebuts.

Okay, I’m off to watch American Horror Story: Coven now, which I hope has better cinematography than last week. I’m going to try my best not to be too tired, so that I can write the review before bed tonight. So stick around.

Revolution 2.07 Review: Betrayal of the Worst Kind

Anyone that has yet to watch last night’s episode of Revolution, entitled ‘The Patriot Act’, here is where I will suggest that you go do that before proceeding ahead. As always, this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

First off, can I just say how happy I am that Monroe is still alive? Although, come on, if they’d have killed him off they would be complete morons. Otherwise, I enjoyed large bulks of this episode, getting to see behind the eyes of Dr. Porter’s past, but there are some things leading me to believe we’re going to see less of the gang all together for a little while.

While I’m not the biggest fan of this whole Aaron controlling the nanites storyline, at least they saved his life as well as kept him and his girlfriend from being caught. It was nice to see Aaron in this episode, a character that has finally gotten backbone by telling Miles he will not leave Cynthia behind, and they better figure out a way of bringing her along. It makes me proud of the character growth he has developed just over two seasons.

Although I can understand the reasoning behind Gene’s decision to become a Patriot, standing by and watching such travesties go on for your own selfish gain is terrible. Yes, he was doing so he wouldn’t have to watch his townspeople die of diseases, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. When I heard him listening into their conversation, all I though was, ‘Shit. This is why you don’t trust vents!’ But I am thankful that he didn’t rat them out – at first. Although both himself and Rachel could take a page from Neville in being able to lie convincingly, because it was so obvious that he was hiding something.

Speaking of Neville, I have to say that I am glad he was able to bring Jason back, as far as we can currently tell. I do think that Neville was holding his gun weird during that search of the buildings, and then those boys were definitely terrible shots. That father-son moment though, where Jason is covered in blood and a look passes between them was brilliantly subtle yet moving all the same. I think that this entire reason they wrote Jason into this, was so that his damaged character would be on a similar playing field with Charlie again. Although I’m still desperately hoping they forgo that for Bass/Charlie, but something tells me they’re going to ignore that exceptional amount of chemistry, although I’ll hold out hope until this series ends, just give them more scenes together.

A few other things to note, one being how they were saying Rachel’s mom died from cholera. Who knew something like that could happen there, even without power, seeing as it took this long to introduce this type of story? Also, I once again have to say how much I love Monroe and the fact that he is on Miles’ side again. I am desperately hoping for more bromance between them, and scenes of fighting for the cause with Monroe, Charlie, and Miles. Don’t get me wrong, Charlie and her mom had a nice moment in this episode, but Rachel is still too heavily involved in this series for my liking. That whole moment, too, where Bass has to sit down after killing those two men was just great. Also, note to self: don’t ever alarm Aaron to the point of desperation or anger, he will burn you up. He also has a terrible last name.

All in all, there were some exciting points to this episode. I still wish for more of what I love (anything between Bass, Charlie, and Miles), but I’m a selfish viewer. I really hope the way they’re going with this Aaron story doesn’t get too hokey, otherwise I may skip passed those parts for better things, and I’d really hate to do that. I’ll just have to put my trust in Kripke that he knows what he’s doing; he did, after all, give me the best seasons of Supernatural under his tutelage.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“You missed me. You’re my best friend.” – Monroe says to Miles, while still loopy.

“Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me.” – Monroe exclaims after reading what Miles was sending to him with the light.

“Unless we can charge Aaron out of the wall Kool Aid style, I’m out of ideas.” – Miles exasperates.

“You gonna go all macho on me now? You only got one hand.” – Aaron says to Miles.

“So that’s what fifteen year old crap smells like.” – Aaron states after the manhole is opened.

Okay, I’m off to go write up my so-not-glowing review of American Horror Story: Coven. Stay tuned for that. Later, reviews of The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Crazy Ones. So stick around.

Revolution 2.04 Review: You Can't Fix Everything, But You Can Try

Anyone that has yet to watch last night’s episode of Revolution, entitled ‘Patriot Games’, then I suggest you either do so now, or back away from the screen. As always, this not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Decent episode this week. I really liked the way it opened, with Charlie in the bar. She would’ve been able to take the four men (okay, probably), but one of them had slipped something in her drink. But, yay, Monroe to the rescue! Possibly my favourite still of the episode, Monroe after having just burst into the room, breaking the lock on the door. That whole scene of him slicing and dicing those men, simply fantastic.

My favourite scenes in each episode are still the ones between Monroe and Charlie, but there doesn’t seem to be enough of them. There’s a strange sort of chemistry to them that I just adore. But from the looks of the promo for next week, the writers are going to go back to the chemistry between Rachel and him. Can I just say, ugh? This series is beginning to focus too much on Rachel.

That was my problem with this episode, too much Rachel. I preferred her a little more last season, when the focus wasn’t largely surrounding her. I get, she’s a genius (or at least she comes across as one), but she’s a little annoying that way. Plus, she kind of walks like a caveman, but that’s beside the point. I just, I don’t like that the last few episodes have focused a large part on her. I wouldn’t mind it so much if it was every few episodes, but it’s like the writers are giving her more attention in exchange for Charlie’s time, and I prefer Charlie scenes.

Back to the episode, while Neville is a ridiculously amazing liar (and really needs to give Rachel some tips), Rachel is not. In that scene with Ken, it was so obvious, even to the casual observer, that she’d noticed something wrong with the situation and was trying to get out of it. But instead of knocking Ken out with that fire stick, she decides it’s better to blind him. In his own place of business. Where he’d know the layout much better than her. Even in the dark. Still, commendable of her for pulling the ol’ break the thumb to get out of the handcuffs. I don’t know if I could manage through that kind of pain on myself, even with imminent death on the horizon, but who knows?

I have to say, I was a little disappointed with how Ken turned out. The last few episodes he seemed so suspicious and observant, and he just turns out to be a Patriot. Definitely leaves the audience with the desire to suspect any our core characters come into contact with, but I wish he’d been able to stick around for a little while. Plus, I kind of liked the guy. But you never know what people are hiding; I suppose that’s what the writers are trying to teach us.

Another thing, while Titus died during this hour of television for sure, I could’ve sworn he’d been killed last week. Hadn’t the man he’d spoke of as Judas stabbed him or something? Perhaps his death was not depicted on screen, but it appeared pretty damn obvious it was about to happen. Maybe the guy had just meant to take him to the train, to be killed off in due time. I don’t know, I just felt like he’d been killed and was disappointed he hadn’t had a more integral story.

This whole façade the Patriots are clinging to hide the fact that they are controlling the people of Willoughby is very well planned out. Isn’t that the fear of the many, that we who have clung to freedom will end up losing it? Maybe that’s just for those that have fought in war for our freedom, but I know it is depicted a lot in novels and young adult books. Anyway you put, the way it’s being written is quite well done and thought out.

So, Aaron is able to see through the eyes of the fireflies and control the things in the air that stopped the power, but has no way of controlling that ability. I’m not sure how I feel about this new development. It’s a little too out there, in relation to this show. I was able to get behind them bringing Aaron back to life, because I really didn’t want him to be dead, but this is a little too far of a reach. But we’ll see how it develops.

While this was a little too much the same in respect to the last weeks, and I’d expected a bit more development by now, I am excited for next week. This series does remain my favourite returning series of all.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“You can’t fix everything.” – Rachel’s dad tells her.

“Can you make your eyes water like that, just… at will?” – Charlie asks Monroe, after he puts on the waterworks about his past misdeeds.

“Where. Is. My. Son?” – Neville enunciates.

Okay, folks, I’m off to go watch American Horror Story: Coven. Stay tuned for the review of that in about an hour or so.

Revolution 2.03 Review: Love is a Battlefield

This is a warning. If you haven’t watched last night’s episode of Revolution, titled ‘Love Story’, then please exit the screen. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

While I always have a lot to say about this series, at least the last two episodes, I’m going to have to keep this short. I have to work in just over nine hours, and I still have the season premiere of American Horror Story: Coven to watch. So, here goes, in as concise a way as I can make it.

This was a great episode, but then again, this season is shaping up to be even better than last year. Lines are being blurred, new enemies are emerging, it’s just turning out so well. The first thing I have to remark on for this episode is how great an opening shot that was. The little ballerina spinning in the jewelry box, it’s so eerie and yet perfect for capturing the essence in the scene. Also, it reminds me of the jewelry box I used to have.

The only to faults I can see in this episode were that there was a brief commercial that showed pivotal clips of Rachel being shot by an arrow from further on in the episode. I hate when shows spoil what’s about to come up, it’s what is so incredibly stupid about the TLC network. The other fault was that, while it worked good for the episode, there wasn’t enough Charlie in it, and definitely not enough Charlie and Monroe. Can I please have more scenes with the two of them in it? Okay, so maybe that second fault was really just my favouriting Charlie.

The writing for this episode was incredibly smart. I can already see the pieces coming together, specifically surrounding the Patriots. There so obviously evil, but they’re maneuvering it so everyone thinks they’re the saviours. But I definitely saw how suspicious Miles was of the too coincidental rescue at the end. The other great writing was surrounding the Neville scenes. Giancarlo Esposito is a phenomenal actor, and he’s given such rich context to work with. The way they’ve written his character, which is performed so superbly, he’s just an amazing actor and thinks so well on his feet.

It was so heartbreaking, yet warming at the same time, that brief hug between Miles and Rachel. They so obviously love each other, I honestly wonder why she married his brother. And also, I’m still really curious to know if Charlie’s his daughter, because he was awfully protective her, versus not as much protective of Danny. Though that could also be due to her resemblance to her mother. But I still really like how much they care about each other. And how weirdly Monroe still cares for all of them, despite them trying to kill each other all last season.

Overall, this episode was well written, well acted, and well shot. I look forward to this season ever increasingly, and desperately hope this gem of a show gets a third season.  This is honestly my favourite returning series so far. Mind you, I haven’t watched American Horror Story: Coven yet, but still. If anything, people really need to be watching this show, but I just think it fit better in the ten o’clock time slot.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“I realize I sound fairly stupid.” – Aaron explains to Cynthia.

“I’m not Harry Potter, okay! I’m an agnostic Jew from Minnesota.” – Aaron says.

“Granted, now it’s sooner.” – Miles relating to the sooner rather than later army outside.

“I’ve still got one good hand left.” – Miles states rather well.

“This is me smiling.”

“That’s exactly what I said to my dad the day I told him it was okay to die.” – Aaron says to Rachel. He genuinely has the best lines.

Okay, not too bad, a little over twenty minutes to write that, but oh well. I’m off to watch American Horror Story: Coven now, and then sleepy time. No review of that tonight, you’ll get that and a review for Nashville tomorrow. Along with reviews for The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, The Crazy Ones, and Once Upon A Time In Wonderland. Plus the fourth edition of Best Performances of the Week.