The Originals 1.10 Review: Who Has the Power

This is a friendly reminder for all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of The Originals, titled ‘The Casket Girls’, this is where I suggest you do that before venturing ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed at your own discretion.

Well, I have to say I’m becoming thoroughly disappointed in this series. I really thought I’d give it a chance, and it wasn’t bad for the first – say – five episodes, but now it’s really hitting a slump. Honestly, I’m really feeling like by splitting The Vampire Diaries into two series it hasn’t added anything to it, it’s merely carved out something integral to the original series.

There are a couple good things to this series, but they both have downsides to them. The first is that Leah Pipes is a phenomenal actress, her character is extremely well acted, but the problem is Cami is a TERRIBLE character. The girl adds next to nothing to the overall story, other than to give one more antagonist for Klaus to defeat. I mean, does she not think Klaus will kill her to keep her from spilling the vampire beans? I know she’s basically a placeholder for Caroline, but she isn’t Caroline, so I doubt he’ll have any qualms with killing her. At least the original Klaus wouldn’t.

The other good part this series has to it is the raw intensity it brings. There’s a definite overall draw to watch because there’s just so much power behind any individual scene, but then it goes and has the scene terribly written. Honestly, it makes no sense {insert me squeezing my head in frustration here}. Maybe I’m spending too much time on tumblr and am beginning to see just how much of a story-sucking vampire Julie Plec is, but this series is becoming terrible. About the only reason I’m sticking around is because I love Klaus, but even he is managing not to have enough of the story focused on him. I barely see Joseph Morgan on screen nowadays, and it was pitched as more of his show. That’d be like not seeing David Boreanaz on Angel, or Buffy on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There are other characters, but they are just convoluting the entire story and it’s making me angry.

All in all, this show just grows to frustrate me. I did like Rebekah this week, but all the other characters were moronic and head scratching. I don’t understand why they thought this could manage to be a good series. They should’ve just left the Originals on The Vampire Diaries, because they’ve merely taken that goodness away. This show hasn’t added ANYTHING other than make me strongly want to go to New Orleans. And I thought at least by getting to see more Elijah it would be a good thing.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Yeah. Or I got mystically cold-cocked by four witches.” – Cami provides an alternative explanation.

“Well isn’t this monumentally awkward?” – Elijah states.

I’m off to review Supernatural, then I think I’m going to go back to watching Gilmore Girls for an episode or two. Check back later.

American Horror Story: Coven 3.09 Review: Witch Hunters

Anyone that has yet to watch Wednesday night’s episode of American Horror Story: Coven, entitled ‘Head’, then you’re taking longer to watch it than I am to review it, I suggest you do that now. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

So, three episodes left until the season finale, in which this series of characters wrap themselves up. With that in mind, I’m not sure the progression of this story is being done quite as well as the first season was. This whole dedicating flashbacks to Hank business this week was a tad boring, and wasn’t really necessary to complete his story. So, basically there’s an entire company dedicated to taking witch-kind down, and yet they supposedly have very few left? It seems a little ludicrous to me. Also, the fact that Hank was merely “placed” in the coven as eyes, when it was made to look like he took the initiative to get into bed with Marie Laveau in order to take these witches down. Sloppy writing right there if you ask me.

Basically, what I found is that this week’s episode was terribly slow. We were back to horribly done camera angles. I’m sorry, it’s not artsy, it’s nauseating; please stop it so I can enjoy this program. They go through all of this struggle with Kyle and stuff, only to have Fiona swoop in and fix him to the best of her abilities. And yet, he’s still not fully there; he’s just around as an attack dog. I have to say, of all the characters this season, I’m most disappointed with Kyle. I’d thought by now he’d at least be mostly back to who he was, but now he’s apparently just their attack dog? What? It made sense that he’d kill his mother, but that other dog? Also, what was this whole business of having the council members cut up? I’d understand Myrtle’s desire for revenge, but that seemed a bit over the top if you ask me.

All in all, while I was happy to have Cordelia get her sight back, as well as watching Marie Laveau go crawling to the witches, I’m not sure this season is shaping up to be anywhere near as good as I’d hoped it would be. The villains of the season seem pretty pathetic when you look at it, and it appears as if there is no overarching story developing at all this season. This really is a mess of a season, and I don’t see how it thinks it could get any better. That’s two disappointing seasons in a row; if next year isn’t better, I’ll probably be done.  The writing is just nowhere near as tight and well-developed as it really should be, and it makes me incredibly disappointed in the showrunner for this season. Sure, that song was beautiful at the end, but about half of each episode could be cut out and it would still be enjoyable. It’s dissatisfying.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10 (and that .5 is merely for the last five minutes).

Best Lines:

“No, bitch, she’s clairvoyant.” – Madison states.

“You’re one stubborn old lady head, you know?” – Queenie remarks.

Okay, my apologies for the lateness of this, but I’ve just had a long couple of days. I have a few more reviews to catch up on, but probably won’t get to those tonight. Maybe The Crazy Ones, but I’m not sure yet. So check back later to see.

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.

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!