Teen Wolf 4.12 Review: Who Wants to be the Baddest Monster?

If only Teen Wolf aired on Tuesday’s; then it really could’ve boasted a full moon on a full moon. Alas, the series does not, but the season four finale did air Monday night, titled ‘Smoke and Mirrors’, and it had so much going on, it encroached on Wolf Watch, going a whole fifteen minutes over its allotted hour. Normally I wouldn’t mind that, but it did mean I missed out on fifteen minutes of the after show, which just so happened to have ballooned up to a forty-five minute episode. It’d have been nice to have gotten a head’s up on that, but I relent.

This week’s season finale felt more or less like this season has felt, iffy on a hole with it’s season long arc, but nonetheless still good. Compared to 3B’s season finale it was unimpressive, but the writing on this season has been so back and forth and all over the place, I wasn’t altogether that surprised. I mean, the benefactor issue gets fixed last week, and then we have to deal with Peter again, really? He is interesting as a villain, but I really enjoyed having him pop up every now and again with his quippy little one-liners, and having make another 180 and go back to being evil Peter just felt like a devolution. Besides, the way the actor had been playing him most of this season – without the knowledge of Peter’s “true” intent – didn’t feel like it was leading toward this. And what’s the point in killing Scott anyway, when you can’t become an Alpha by stealing from a True Alpha?

As always, I adored Stiles this week – he’s continuously unmistakably fantastic. Loved the face he gave Derek when the latter was explaining to Liam what the “talisman” was. (Side note: is anyone worried that the use of mantras predicts Liam leaving Scott’s pack for the docile one?) It was really great seeing Stiles discussing with his dad everything that was going on with Scott and Kira in Mexico, and him having to go there because there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for the pack (read: weird family, a la Buffy), particularly being Scott’s best friend. Despite his ferocity for the sardonic sense of humour, I really feel like Stiles, in this moment, shines as a young adult because he really has his priorities straight and understands responsibility. Speaking of responsibility, absolutely adored at the end when Sheriff Stilinski cuffs Stiles to the desk – perfect punishment.

One thing I do have to commend this week is the use of sound. The eeriness when Kira wakes up to her open cage and calls out for Scott thinking it was his doing (No, sweetie, it’s not Scott. Don’t you watch horror movies?) devoid of any other music or sounds other than what would be natural to that environment was absolutely perfect. Also, the final song of episode I greatly enjoyed.

Speaking of technical aspects, there’s also the ever-enjoyable cinematography I need to take note of. Despite a few choice close ups at the end – I’m looking at you Kate and Argent – that didn’t really give the actors a lot of good light, most of the filming was done quite well, including the shot of Peter skidding to a stop with his shocked face in regards to his nephew. The CGI-ing, though, or whatever it was, towards the end of the fight between Peter and Scott when Scott’s stopping all of Peter’s punches, was kind of terrible, but otherwise it wasn’t too bad.

In other respects to the episode, I may be one of the only people that don’t really care of Braeden and Derek. I mean, yay for Derek and his discovery of a non-homicidal – at least not yet – girlfriend, but much like how Stiles and Malia started, these two felt like they were just kind of haphazardly thrown together. For the most part, I didn’t even feel like those tears were real for the loss of someone she cared about (read: cared about, not loved, so many goddamned shows throw the word love around too much without believability).

A couple other final things to mention – one being the fact that Liam was the one that brought Scott out of his Berserker state. Okay, sure they have that commonality of worrying whether they’re monsters, and Liam finally got the hang of that this week (and whoa was that ever quick), but I would’ve hoped that at least Stiles would be the one to get through to him. Maybe it had to be a werewolf, and maybe that werewolf just happened to have to be Liam because he’s Scott’s Beta, but I don’t know, I was just a bit bewildered at this when it happened – although maybe it was just the acting. Also, thank God Derek is still alive, and how cool is it that we’re going to get to delve into the whole werewolf myth – hopefully – next season with Derek’s complete transformation. I bet his mama would be proud. And, finally, I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, and I’m going to keep on saying it: I adore Coach; he is absolutely fantastic, and possibly my favourite adult on this show.

All in all, this episode, much like its season, was unimpressive and a bit too discombobulated. Individually this season’s episodes have been good, but they haven’t quite meshed well. Then again that’s how this series seems to be. It’s a rollercoaster of ups and downs, goods and bads, and the stories are just interesting and well enough done that it keeps me interested and coming back. Plus, who doesn’t need a guilty pleasure show stock full of drama and otherworldly nonsense to keep them going through their average day?

My rating: 7.5 out of 10 – this season: 7 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“I can keep you from going.” – Sheriff Stilinski tells his son. “I’d find a way.” – Stiles replies. “I can throw you in a cell.” – his father volleys back. “I’d still find a way.” – Stiles states, full of conviction. (Awe, Stiles all loyal.)

“Okay, okay, great. Do I get a fun?” – Stiles asks his father, after he agrees for them to both go down to Mexico together. “No.” – Stilinski exclaims.

“I’m not okay with that.” – Braeden says to Derek, upon realizing he knows he’s going to die. “I am.” – Derek replies, simply. (A simply beautiful line at that, and so much behind those two words.)

“If everyone is sufficiently freaked out, I say we get going.” – Peter states.

“You, you were dead.” – Kate mutters, shocked. “No, I was evolving; something you will never do.” – Derek corrects, after changing full form back to human shape.

“Okay, I believe you.” – Coach says. “Really?” – Liam replies incredulously. “Absolutely not.” – Coach shoots back.

Oh, and a friendly reminder, don’t stand between Lydia and her friends, she’s getting mighty handy with a bat.

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.

Bitten 1.01 Review: Everyone Just Wants to be Normal

This is a friendly reminder for all those that have yet to watch last night’s Canadian series premiere of Bitten, titled ‘Summons’, or are waiting to watch the U.S. series premiere tomorrow night, that now would be the time to exit this screen. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been aptly warned.

There were a number of things wrong with this series premiere that I took issue with, even when ignoring the source material this series comes from. But I’m going to ignore that second part for now, and focus solely on my issues with the notable departure from the books. Just to forewarn you, this may be a long review.

Now, I’m a big fan of the book series, of which this series is based around the first book Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. I’ve been a big fan of the Women of the Otherworld series since I was twelve, making that nearly a decade that I’ve been reading this series. And when I say big fan, I do mean big fan – I’m a member of the author’s website, have read the books several times, and consider the series to be my favourite books (and I read A LOT of books). So when I say that I take issue with this adaptation of the first novel in this book series, it’s a big deal to me.

Let’s begin with the actors. I have to say that Laura Vandervoort was about the only one that suited her role in the looks department, but I’ve seen this woman in a number of roles (beginning with her sisterly role in the Canadian series Instant Star) over the years, and she’s not the strongest of actresses. She can be good in supporting roles, but I have yet to see her acting strong enough to play a leading lady. But, I suppose, at least she actually looked like what the character was supposed to look like.

Then there’s Clay (short for Clayton Danvers), played here by Greyston Holt, to which I’ve only seen as secondary characters in a few shows I watch. To paraphrase, he was supposed to be a gorgeous, young looking, animalistic man with a Southern drawl he never quite got rid of, despite not remembering his own family from before he was bitten as a child. Holt may be an attractive enough man, but not in the Greek god like way he was written as in the books. Phillip was more attractive than him. And even ignoring the fact that this could be Elena’s – as our narrator – bias, he was still seen as devilishly handsome by others – that he ignored because he only had eyes for Elena – evident with how many women fawned over him. There was none of this in Clay, nor was it evident that he could not stand to be around humans, nor that he was more wolf than man a great deal of the time. I tried to give Holt the benefit of the doubt, and maybe part of it is the writers’ fault, but even if he seems like he could be a good actor, the man was not right for the role, and the role not right either. I mean, he didn’t act ANYTHING like the beloved sadistic character of the books.

Then there are the other members of the wolf pack. This consists of Jeremy (played by Greg Byrk), Antonio (Paulino Nunes), Nick (Steve Lund), Logan (Michael Xavier), and Peter (Joel Keller). Now, I had no major issues with Lund, Xavier, or Keller in the looks department with their respective characters, although Keller didn’t quite appear young enough, but I did take issue with how they were characterized. It was Byrk and Nunes I took greatest issue with. Byrk was no where near young enough looking to play Jeremy, and he certainly didn’t look like he was the quiet, cunning type of Alpha that was also a wonderful painter. And Nunes just did not look anything like his son, or young enough at all to play Antonio.

In regards to Nick, Logan, and Peter’s personalities, I found Keller to be quite like he was playing the role, rather than embodying it. Nick just did not have any personality to him, and the whole threesome thing made absolutely no sense. My issue with Logan was, despite that I enjoyed getting to know his character and seeing him, he just wasn’t that involved in the book. Plus, werewolves have no place for humans in their lives, so I didn’t really understand the whole Rachel thing.

My final irk with the characters had to do with Phillip and his whole family. Now, in the books Phillip and Elena met when living in the same building, but this time around she’s best friends with his sister and that’s how they met. This just doesn’t make sense because Elena doesn’t get along with women, and Phillip’s sisters are all supposed to be far older. And then there was the whole mother issue. In the books, Phillip’s family loves Elena, and kind of adopts her as one of their own, which just goes to explain the reasoning behind how family-centered Phillip is. This antagonization from the mother towards Elena’s character makes no sense and does nothing to assert Phillip’s adoration of his family. I just, really cannot stand it. Plus how business-centered they all seem to be, like family isn’t what’s most important to them, it doesn’t really help to depict how these characters are supposed to be.

A few other nitpicks I have with how this series changed from the books included Elena’s job change. Why did they need to change her from a journalist to a photographer? Because it’s a prettier, more visual job? Honestly, she was a journalist for a reason; it was so that she’d be able to help cover up werewolf activity, and it also helps her to meet another character down the line in the book series. So, please, tell me what changing her to a photographer adds to the story? Also why include Logan in her life so heavily. Yes, she was in contact with him as opposed to the other pack members she’d taken leave from, but she didn’t see him on a daily basis, and there was certainly no running with other wolves in Toronto. I just, I find that this changes her character more, that she doesn’t have to feel so extracted from her werewolf life. And that whole thing with her mentioning to her friend that she’d had a dark past? There’s no way she would have spoken about that! She wouldn’t not say it because of pride, but the book Elena felt that it wasn’t an excuse to be used, just a point in her life to move past. And I’m pretty sure Clay was about the only one who knew how bad she’d had it in the foster care system. Yes, this is a television series and we don’t get as much into her head, but there’s no good reason she needed to mention any of that. I just, I think that by doing this it shows how comfortable she’s gotten in this new life, but Elena never felt fully comfortable in the books.

Now, when it comes to strictly what was wrong with the show, not in correlation to the books, there were several other things to mention. First of all, the first victim of the serial killing werewolf (that would be serial killer that is also a werewolf, not that he’s a serial killer of werewolves) was a TERRIBLE actress. Honestly, it felt like she’d been picked off the side of the street and told to read these lines. Not good. Also, being that it is a Canadian made show, the CGI was a bit obvious when it came to the werewolves in wolf form. And, finally, I felt like there wasn’t quite enough well done background music. It felt too plain when it came to that, like we could hear the characters speak most of the time too well.

All in all, about the only things I really did like were, despite my issues with it, that we do get to see Logan more than in the books, and also the opening credits. Anyone that has read my review of Dracula and Sleepy Hollow can likely attest to that. Now, I will give this series a couple more episodes to find its footing and get better, but I’m not sure how much better it can get. I loved these books, and it pains my heart to think I won’t be able to watch this show because of how badly it’s being done.

My rating: 6 out of 10.

No memorable lines.

My apologies if this seems a bit confusing for a page and a half, because I wrote that part on Sunday, otherwise I just finished the rest now. Now, I’m really behind on reviews, so I may not get to all of them. That includes one of two Almost Human episodes, one of two Trophy Wife episodes, one of two Cougar Town episodes, the last American Horror Story: Coven episode, one of two Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. episodes, and the last episode of The Crazy Ones. I will be trying to review Bones last episode, mostly because I haven’t watched it yet, as well as Revenge, Shameless, this week’s Almost Human, Teen Wolf, How I Met Your Mother, Sleepy Hollow, The Blacklist, and tonight’s episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Trophy Wife, Cougar Town, The Originals, and Supernatural. My apologies about all this, I’ve been really plowing through a rewatch of Gilmore Girls lately.

Teen Wolf 3.13 Review: The Darkness We Let Inside

As a friendly reminder to all those that have yet to watch last night’s midseason premiere of Teen Wolf, entitled ‘Anchors’, this is the point where I suggest you look elsewhere until you have. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed ahead at your own discretion.

For the most part, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this MTV series’ newest episode. Sure, I was a little confused as to how it began, and couldn’t quite recall enough details from the first half of the season, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t able to enjoy it.

Okay, so I do have to mention how I was a little bored with the opening five minutes, up until around Stiles’ last dream that he thinks is real.. Yes, I was able to appreciate it more afterwards, within the context of the entire episode, but it didn’t grab me as much as the beginning of an episode should have. If I wasn’t invested in this series and these characters – particularly Stiles – I might have stopped watching and gone back to viewing Gilmore Girls. Alas, I have been watching this series from the very beginning, so I will keep on watching. I found myself almost bored with the tedious opening act of Stiles’ dream. It was well acted, but it was a little too much of a run around. Plus, it didn’t feel like I was invested with most of the dream because I could barely remember where this series had left off.

Elsewhere, I did enjoy the interactions between Scott and Isaac, and Scott’s mom telling them not to damage the house. It was really fun getting to see Isaac thrown into the wall – twice – because Scott was just a little mad at his fellow werewolf and housemate for poaching on his ex-girlfriend (Alison, for all those that have yet to watch this series). Sure, I do think Scott and Alison are done – for now at least – but there’s a rule among bro’s, that you don’t act unless the other is honestly okay with it.

That leads me to another thing, where we see Scott is becoming interested in the new girl in his history class. Yes, I think Alison and him are done, like I said for now, but there relationship seemed such an integral part of the show for the first two and half seasons, despite not always being together, that this seems a little dishonest to the character. Not only that, but it was done in a way that mirrored his crush on Alison in the beginning of the series, and that just doesn’t sit right with me. If they wanted Scott to move on and find love elsewhere, the least they could do was make it a bit more unique and not just like he was replacing Alison or holding her spot for her with a temporary fix. Plus, I really feel like there were major vibes between him and Lydia in the first half of this season. Sure, Stiles has had a thing for Lydia for a while, but there was some major connection between Scott and her, and it feels like that’s now just been glossed over since Derek’s sister, and what seemed to be the fancy of Stiles this past summer, was not apart of the series this week. So I’m kind of feeling like this is becoming a bit convoluted.

Oh, and a couple other things that I need to mention. Tyler Posey’s performance when he began freaking out when confronting his father over trying to oust Stiles’ father from being sheriff was both powerfully and wonderfully done. This may have been my favourite moment in this episode, and when he tells his mom his anchor was Alison and he doesn’t have her anymore – that was perfect. Also, I have to make note of how beautifully man-shaped Dylan O’Brien has gotten these past few years. Honestly, that young man is beautifully and just makes me love Stiles – and not just because his sense of humour and fascination with all things supernatural is akin to my own. Finally, I have to mention how perfect the final scene of this episode was. As a screenwriter myself, I thought that fit wonderfully into the whole picture of this show, and made sure to include Derek and his uncle in an otherwise good episode. There are moments where I watch movies and television episodes and remember why I want to work as a screenwriter in this industry, and that was one of them.

Overall, I thought this episode was very well done. Sure, the vet’s acting is a little uneven and plain at times, but the other actors are most assuredly growing into there own – most notably Tyler Posey and Dylan O’Brien. Sometimes I’m surprised that this is a MTV series because it’s quite often better than that industry name.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“I think you should hit me.” – Isaac tells Scott.

“Wait a sec, I know that look. That’s the we-know-exactly-what-is-wrong-with-you-and-we-have-no-idea-how-to-fix-it look.” – Stiles remarks.

“Glow your eyes at it, do something, be the Alpha.” – Stiles tells Scott.

“I think I just had a minor heart attack.” – Stiles declares.

 “My anchor was Alison. I don’t have Alison anymore.” – Scott says. “Then be your own anchor.” – Scott’s mom tells him.

All right folks, check back later for a review of Almost Human, although it may just be a brief one later on tonight. Also, I may get to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Trophy Wife, and Cougar Town tonight as well, I may not.