Nashville 2.10 Review: Following Your Heart

For all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Nashville, entitled ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’, now is your last chance to do so before venturing ahead into spoiler territory. This not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

This week’s episode, in my opinion, was very good. The beautiful friendship between Avery and Juliette is so strange in the way that it came about, but it is something that I love so dearly about this series. The very fact that it’s so obvious that they love each other is such a tender thing, particularly after the rough time Juliette’s been having with the always gorgeous Charlie Wentworth. That moment near the end between Juliette and Avery, where she seems to go over to confess something to him (her feelings of love for him, perhaps?), was so sad to watch when it was broken up by Scarlett’s pants-less entrance into the scene. Now, I know Avery thinks he’s in love with Scarlett - who’s being a bit of a whiny brat at the moment - but I really feel like he could have something far more genuine with Juliette, and I really look forward to watching how this all progresses. Although, I can’t fathom that Scarlett wasn’t able to pick up on the tone between Juliette and Avery when the latter had tears in his eyes, but you never know.

In other news, Raina is going ahead with the buyout of her contract and Highway 65, by gambling basically everything on the record she wants to put out. This is definitely something that could revitalize the series and send it down different avenues for more seasons to be built on. I’m just a little worried that they may be setting Raina up to fail, and the queen of country will be dethroned. But, I do look forward to seeing Raina try and grow other artists under her company, and am excited to see what other talent she hopes to sign.

Elsewhere, Will’s hatred of himself and his desire for a man of the same sex came to a head this week. He both slept with the man he has tried so hard to deny feelings for, and seems to have come to the decision that death would be better. I’m thinking that Will will be killed by that train, because it was so close I can’t see how he would make it out alive, unless he had second thoughts in his final moments. This is definitely a subject that is worth telling, and I find myself hoping Will didn’t go through with it, because his character has actually grown on me. With this marking two possible deaths of the winter finale, I’m intrigued to learn what was this series takes this.

All in all, this was a good episode. This definitely appears to be treading soap opera territory, but it’s alright because I am quite enjoying this series. They’ve definitely bumped up their characters progressions, and added a lot of heart to the story, making this season a step up from last. They seem to be getting their act together, writing wise, and making it possible for all of these characters to interact in natural ways. I am really curious to know if Peggy is dead for certain, although I find it a little odd that she would be killed off so soon after their wedding. This character seemed to have a bit more direction to go in, but I guess that’s what death brings. Basically, I feel that this is a rather beautiful series, with masterfully acted characters.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10

Best Lines:

“I’m the face of this festival, and I practically just snuck in through a basement window.” - Juliette gripes.

“We’ll talk about this later, as in never.” - Deacon says to Gunnar.

“I will literally come over there and rip your face off.” - Juliette tells Avery what she’ll do if he responds incorrectly.

Okay, so here’s this one. I’m off to go see Thor: The Dark World. Check back later for reviews of American Horror Story: Coven, Once Upon A Time in Wonderland, The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Crazy Ones.

Nashville 2.10 Review: Following Your Heart

For all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Nashville, entitled ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’, now is your last chance to do so before venturing ahead into spoiler territory. This not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

This week’s episode, in my opinion, was very good. The beautiful friendship between Avery and Juliette is so strange in the way that it came about, but it is something that I love so dearly about this series. The very fact that it’s so obvious that they love each other is such a tender thing, particularly after the rough time Juliette’s been having with the always gorgeous Charlie Wentworth. That moment near the end between Juliette and Avery, where she seems to go over to confess something to him (her feelings of love for him, perhaps?), was so sad to watch when it was broken up by Scarlett’s pants-less entrance into the scene. Now, I know Avery thinks he’s in love with Scarlett - who’s being a bit of a whiny brat at the moment - but I really feel like he could have something far more genuine with Juliette, and I really look forward to watching how this all progresses. Although, I can’t fathom that Scarlett wasn’t able to pick up on the tone between Juliette and Avery when the latter had tears in his eyes, but you never know.

In other news, Raina is going ahead with the buyout of her contract and Highway 65, by gambling basically everything on the record she wants to put out. This is definitely something that could revitalize the series and send it down different avenues for more seasons to be built on. I’m just a little worried that they may be setting Raina up to fail, and the queen of country will be dethroned. But, I do look forward to seeing Raina try and grow other artists under her company, and am excited to see what other talent she hopes to sign.

Elsewhere, Will’s hatred of himself and his desire for a man of the same sex came to a head this week. He both slept with the man he has tried so hard to deny feelings for, and seems to have come to the decision that death would be better. I’m thinking that Will will be killed by that train, because it was so close I can’t see how he would make it out alive, unless he had second thoughts in his final moments. This is definitely a subject that is worth telling, and I find myself hoping Will didn’t go through with it, because his character has actually grown on me. With this marking two possible deaths of the winter finale, I’m intrigued to learn what was this series takes this.

All in all, this was a good episode. This definitely appears to be treading soap opera territory, but it’s alright because I am quite enjoying this series. They’ve definitely bumped up their characters progressions, and added a lot of heart to the story, making this season a step up from last. They seem to be getting their act together, writing wise, and making it possible for all of these characters to interact in natural ways. I am really curious to know if Peggy is dead for certain, although I find it a little odd that she would be killed off so soon after their wedding. This character seemed to have a bit more direction to go in, but I guess that’s what death brings. Basically, I feel that this is a rather beautiful series, with masterfully acted characters.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10

Best Lines:

“I’m the face of this festival, and I practically just snuck in through a basement window.” - Juliette gripes.

“We’ll talk about this later, as in never.” - Deacon says to Gunnar.

“I will literally come over there and rip your face off.” - Juliette tells Avery what she’ll do if he responds incorrectly.

Okay, so here’s this one. I’m off to go see Thor: The Dark World. Check back later for reviews of American Horror Story: Coven, Once Upon A Time in Wonderland, The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Crazy Ones.

Nashville 2.09 Review: The Funny Thing About People

For all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Nashville, entitled ‘I’m Tired of Pretending’, now would be a good time to go and do that. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed ahead at your own discretion.

I really love the drama that this show brings; it’s such great entertainment. And yet, at the same time it is able to balance great family qualities, intriguing relationships, and well-written characters. This series is so beautifully done, and that’s a particularly generous compliment, as it comes from a woman that absolutely cannot stand the sound of country music. Somehow this series is able to manage to make me like it.

This week had somewhat of a conclusion to the Juliette Barnes and Charlie Wentworth storyline. At the beginning I was so happy having him around because of how absolutely adorable he is, but then Juliette sadly had a point when she realized they didn’t bring out the best in each other. Although, I still really loved that barn scene between the two of them from a couple episodes back. Hopefully this isn’t the last we see of Charlie, particularly after the reveal Layla gave to TMZ. I mean, did you not see Charlie’s face as he came to Juliette’s dressing room to tell her it had been a week and that he loved her and wanted to build a life with her? He looked absolutely devoted to his feelings right there, how could anyone not want that beautiful Brit back on their television screen? Honestly, I have one specific note that reads: ‘I love Charlie. Seriously.’ That’s how badly I need this guy on my TV set each week. It’s like my obsession with Charlie and Monroe and just needing Monroe on my TV over on Revolution.

Anyways, there was some well-developed progress regarding the whole Maddie, Teddy, and Deacon situation. I’m definitely looking forward to this the further it progresses, although it was a complete douchebag thing of Teddy to take Deacon out of the showcase. As a longtime hater of his character, I’m kind of hoping the previews of someone getting shot next episode are of Teddy. I really don’t like that character. On the flipside, I am enjoying Deacon and his struggle to see where he could possibly fit in this situation. It will most assuredly be interesting to see how he approaches his relationship with Maddie, and the responsibility he might need to accept going forward. Also, I absolutely adored Maddie and him singing together on stage.

The whole Scarlett and Gunnar situation on tour was graced with the presence of both Avery and Zoey this week. I have to say that I quite enjoyed getting to see the friendship between Scarlett and Zoey on that couch and am a little disappointed the Gunnar and Zoey relationship will likely put a stopper in the two besties friendship. It’s always sad when lifelong friends go their separate ways, particularly when they are as close as these two. I don’t think this is the end of their friendship, but I do think there will be tough roads ahead for them. But I still don’t think the Gunnar, Zoey relationship was the right thing for his character, despite her playing the tension and chemistry between them well.

All in all, this series is such a beautiful mess when it comes to the drama. There is so much chaos in these people’s lives that it just gives the series so many ripe pickings when it comes to stories to tell. There is a perfect amount of ensemble cast on this show, and I’m enjoying almost all of the characters this season. Also, I just have to comment on how much Juliette resembled Britney Spears in that outfit she wore as she performed with Will, and she looked really good in it too. Basically, this series is pretty damn great, despite my hatred of Teddy, and not being completely interested in Rayna’s father’s legal troubles.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“No, I’m pretty sure I meant sadly.” – Zoey corrects Avery, regarding the fact she’s spent most of her free time with him and Gunnar.

“The funny thing about people, they make a lot of mistakes that can hurt the people around them. The thing I’ve learned is it doesn’t mean they don’t love us.” – Rayna shares her wisdom with Maddie, in a beautiful mother-daughter moment.

Okay, so I just have to review American Horror Story: Coven now. Stay tuned.

Revolution 2.09 Review: Love is a Powerful Motivator

Anyone that has yet to watch last night’s episode of Revolution, entitled ‘Everyone Says I Love You’, now is your last chance to do so before proceeding ahead into spoiler territory. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Well, not as good an episode as I would’ve hoped, but it was decent enough. I think my only issue with it was that it felt so short and was a little anti-climactic. The episode could’ve run about twenty minutes longer and had a little more sword fighting and gun play than it did have. And also more quality Bass-Charlie time.

So we learned a few things about Aaron and the nanites this week. They were basically helping him because he was the one that woke them up and thus they felt they owed him for it. Not a bad way to explain it, but I do kind of hope that they’re gone now, if not for good than at least a while before we have to hear about it again. This season has been a bit too tech and science oriented than I would’ve liked. Give me some gruesome swordplay and fights any day.

One thing I really did like about this episode was that they did focus a little more on Charlie than they have in a few weeks. Although, even when she was in the scene, the focus of the camera got caught on Rachel a little too often. Rachel, in my opinion, was a lot better last season when she was a little more in the background than at the forefront. But at least they give me more Charlie than they have in a few weeks, I just wish – like I said – that she’d shared more scenes with Bass. Their glances at each other were a little too fleeting for my taste and were so focused on battle that I wasn’t able to see the chemistry that is ripe between them.

Another thing I am glad about is that Dr. Horn is dead. Thank God for that, and for killing Cynthia, she was a little too religious, good, and boring for my taste. There wasn’t much to her character other than to give Aaron someone to love. And Dr. Horn, he was getting a little too obviously desperate and wasn’t all that intriguing, so I’m really glad they’ve gotten rid of these characters. I honestly didn’t care enough for them as much as I did characters that were killed last season.

Basically, this half of the season leaves us with Miles unconscious from the infection – which we all know is not going to last because if they kill off Miles, there goes a chunk of the viewers of the show. Aaron lost Cynthia and is likely going to be in a dark place because the nanites have left him – but honestly, who cares? I like Aaron for his sense of humour, not the rest of this garbage. Rachel plans on going back for her father, and she’s going to have to if she wants Miles to live. Monroe will probably help only because Miles is the only one that knows where his son is. And Charlie is obviously going to help because the one thing she is big on is protecting her family. Also, we learned Tom Neville’s wife is alive, and now the Neville’s have some new scheme cooked up – but honestly, who cares if it keeps them away from the whole unit for much longer?

Overall, not a bad episode, I just expected a little more. The characters were mostly good, and the acting overall was satisfactory. One thing I was expecting was for Rachel to tell Miles she was pregnant in that flashback, but perhaps she found out later. I do swear Charlie is still his daughter, but I suppose they’re going to wait to finally reveal that one. Another thing, while the bangs did look good, they didn’t look good on Rachel. Nice hairstyle, just not for her. Also, it wasn’t convincing in de-aging her, and Miles didn’t look young enough either. But otherwise, this was a pretty good episode; it just sucks how long we’re going to have to wait for more.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“I’m having a heart attack, that’s what I’m doing here. What’re you doing here?” – Aaron tells what he believes is a little boy.

“I’m Batman.” – Monroe states.

“You’re like a puppy holding a kitten.” – Monroe remarks on Miles having gone soft.

“We may die tomorrow, we’ll probably die today.” – Rachel says to Charlie, while saying she loves her.

Okay, just one more show to go. Check back soon for my review of American Horror Story: Coven.

Once Upon A Time In Wonderland 1.05 Review: Love Isn't Always Enough

All those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of Once Upon A Time In Wonderland, entitled ‘Heart of Stone’, this would be a good time to do that before reading ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

This was a much stronger episode than this series has head probably since the premiere. I think that is because it did not rely heavily on Alice’s quest to find Cyrus, in that the flashback scenes were of the Red Queen’s past and how she became who she is today.

I like Alice and all, but I somehow find myself caring more about the Red Queen than Alice’s love quest. This really was her episode; she owned it. The depth that they’ve added to her by showing us the struggles Will and her went through upon reaching Wonderland, and even before leaving for it. There’s something about a woman that will fight and strive for more than she is that is admirable. Sure, she betrayed her love for Will, but that showed the honest truth in the matter that love isn’t always enough. That being said, this is a series based on fairytales, so I’m doubting that will be viewed as a good thing, but I can’t help rooting for this character now more than ever. Despite the fact that she married a man that looked like he could’ve been her father, and was acting like it too.

There were some other intriguing points to this episode too. Cyrus managed to escape, which I’m glad he was able to do because Alice fighting for him was a little too one-sided for my liking. The White Rabbit gave up more about Alice and her supposed “weakness” of caring about others. His betrayal, while I’m pretty sure I understand the circumstances, reminds me very much of Rachel’s dad in Revolution; good intentions, but bad choices made despite that.

Anastasia (a.k.a. the Red Queen) used the dust she acquired with the use of Alice’s pure heart to resurrect Will from his stony composure (see what I did there?). She still loves him, and obviously the King is out of the picture, or else he’d be around for his people. I’m just not sure how much I want these two to be together because they don’t seem meant for each other. They may love each other, but like I said, love is not enough. Besides, they seem more like each other’s first loves than true, soul mate kind of loves.

All in all, I really loved this episode. Going in, I actually thought this was going to be my last week of this series, but if they can keep things going more like this I’ll have to stick around. I love Alice’s will to fight, and the Red Queen now more than ever, so this is beginning to be a more attractive series than it has been the last few episodes. By next week’s previews, I’m looking forward to Alice’s struggle on what love she’ll choose – family or Cyrus.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Line:

“If I wanted you to fall off the cliff, I’d push you.” – the Red Queen explains to Alice rather eloquently.

Okay, kiddos, I’m off to watch The Vampire Diaries now, I think. Check back soon for that. Afterwards it’s Grey’s Anatomy and The Crazy Ones. Stay tuned.

Nashville 2.06 Review: So Wrong It's Right

Anyone that has yet to watch Wednesday’s episode of Nashville, titled ‘It Must Be You’, well then you’re also late to the party and should probably go watch that now. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Just to forewarn you.

This show is just so dramatic, and warm, and brilliant. It has such an included family kind of feel to it, like anyone could watch and enjoy it. Yeah, sure, this show does have a big country vibe to it sometimes, but then it makes me understand why so many people divulge themselves in that lifestyle, if it’s anything like this series, and I’m not a fan of country music at all.

There were a lot of things I loved about this episode, most notably the new character Charlie’s involvement. While last week he seems so enthused about his marriage – at least up until the point he slept with Juliette anyways – this week we got to see more about him, and how his marriage isn’t really working behind closed doors. Which is why I absolutely adored his interactions with Juliette, he really should be with her. And boy is he cute; I really hope he sticks around for a while because I love him.

Some other things I enjoyed about this episode definitely included Deacon’s relationship progression. Not only does he seem to be getting his act together, his relationship with Megan really appears to be healthy and good for him. She is definitely right for him at this stage in his life. Yes, I was really gunning for a Raina-Deacon reconciliation at some point, but Raina may be right in saying that they’re not healthy for each other. I also really liked Zoey’s hair, those are enviable curls that I wish I had. Also, I absolutely adored when Juliette sang with the stable workers. That was such a beautiful, down-to-earth moment that was strange for Juliette’s character, but at the same time just right.

One of my only contentions with this episode was the whole Gunnar-Zoey thing. Last season he was so incredibly into Scarlett, and eventually they fell in love, he got messed up and ended up proposing. Two episodes ago I still felt that connection between them, but this week it was almost like there was nothing between them. They were so sweet together, but now it’s like none of that meant anything, and Gunnar’s just going to throw any chance with her again out the door for Zoey. It just doesn’t feel right or cohesive to the story. I mean, I know how Avery wants Scarlett back, but I just don’t feel like he’s right for, despite how much he’s changed. I think I may always be a Scarlett-Gunnar fan, and the writers are ruining that chemistry and relationship.

Overall, I really believe this is a beautiful series. It may not be perfect, but it is one of the best series out there at the moment. I realize it’s a soap opera type of show, and that it may eventually become tiresome, but it’s in its early years, and much like Grey’s Anatomy, the early years are always the best.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Just go have some servant feed you some grapes and leave me alone.” – Juliette tells Charlie.

“Yeah, I don’t like grapes.” – Charlie rebuts after telling Juliette she’s wrong about the rich man stereotype.

“According to Wikipedia, that horn means the game’s about to start.” – Juliette shouts at Charlie.

“On the Lord’s day no less.” – Avery teases Scarlett about her and Zoey playing video games every Sunday.

Okay, so here’s this review up. If you didn’t catch my apology on the Revolution review for this being late, go check out the end of that because I’m sure as hell not repeating it. Stay tuned for American Horror Story: Coven’s review next.